For small, grassroots nonprofits, Lowcountry Giving Day can make a big impact

By Deanna Pan
The Post and Courier

In Emily Hoisington’s classroom, it’s not uncommon for students to arrive hungry because they didn’t have dinner the night before, or dressed in unwashed and torn clothing because they had nothing else to wear.

As a student-teacher at Mitchell Elementary, a high-poverty school in downtown Charleston, Hoisington knows firsthand what happens when students’ basic needs aren’t met at home: They’re distracted. They can’t focus. They’re not prepared to learn.

 Four years ago as a freshman at the College of Charleston, Hoisington, who’s now 22 and a week shy from graduating, co-founded Charleston Hope, a grassroots nonprofit serving more than 2,000 students at five Title 1 schools in the Lowcountry.
  Next fall, Hoisington plans to pilot a new project in one of Charleston Hope’s partner schools, a basic need’s closet outfitted with toiletries, canned goods, uniforms, undergarments and school supplies, available to any student at any time year-round.

 To keep the closet stocked and maintained, Charleston Hope needs to raise $15,000. On Lowcountry Giving Day, Hoisington hopes donors will rise to the challenge.

 “For small nonprofits like us, days like these are really important,” Hoisington says. “I think when people donate to small nonprofits, especially the little ones, you can really see the impact that you’re making with your financial donations.”

 Unlike years past, any registered nonprofit can participate in the third annual Lowcountry Giving Day, set for Tuesday.

         Read more: