On July 26, Julie Giglio, representing Midlands Orphan Relief (M.O.R.), spoke to the Optimist Club of St. Andrews-Irmo, shedding light on the organization’s mission to support orphans and at-risk children. Giglio explained that M.O.R. considers “any child who is left behind is effectively an orphan,” emphasizing the broad scope ofContinue Reading
Stephanie Yandle, the Customer Experience Manager for Research & Information at BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, has been elected as the 2024-2026 chair of The Cooperative Ministry’s board of directors. Her election was confirmed at the board’s June 18 meeting. Yandle has been a member of The Cooperative Ministry’s boardContinue Reading
Columbia, SC – On July 17, the St. Andrews Optimist Club welcomed Mary Silverberg, Director of Developmental Operations for the South Carolina chapter of Make-A-Wish, as their guest speaker. Pictured from the event are Steve Odom, speaker coordinator, Mary Silverberg, Club President Kerry Powers, and speaker sponsor J.B. Beckett, whoContinue Reading
Columbia is set to host the first of three fundraising events for Sistercare, an organization dedicated to helping victims and families recover from domestic violence. The inaugural event will take place during the Soda City Market downtown, aiming to raise funds and awareness. Visitors can look forward to a varietyContinue Reading
On Saturday, July 13, Irmo Town Councilwoman Phyllis Coleman and JoAnn Chaney of Youngs Chapel AME Church in Irmo dedicated their morning to volunteering at Transitions Homeless Center. Beginning their day at 6:30 AM, the two women prepared food for the serving line, contributing to the center’s mission of providingContinue Reading
“Hearing their voices; healing their hearts.” So goes the message of hope that the Dickerson Children’s Advocacy Center gives its clients. On June 14, Haley Shealy, Development and Special Events Coordinator for the Center, presented that message in detail to St. Andrews Optimists. The Dickerson Center serves children ages zeroContinue Reading
On June 7, the St. Andrews Optimists welcomed Jay Kilmartin, the S.C. House Representative for state District 85, as their guest speaker. Kilmartin, who is nearing the end of his first term and is currently campaigning for reelection, provided insights into his experiences and priorities as a state legislator. KilmartinContinue Reading
Columbia, SC – The Mental Illness Recovery Center, Inc. (MIRCI), a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals with severe mental illness and housing instability, has announced a major consolidation of its facilities. The organization has now centralized all its services at a new location, 2750 Laurel Street, marking a significantContinue Reading
On May 12 at Union UMC, members of the St. Andrews Woman’s Club presented a donation to Michelle Cochcroft, coordinator of the Snack Pack project. The project provides weekend food packs for 117 children attending Harbison West Elementary School. Pictured from left to right: Michelle Cochcroft, coordinator; Gail Elfert, AnnContinue Reading
The Optimist Club of St. Andrews-Irmo hosted its highly anticipated annual golf tournament on Monday, May 6th, at the Golden Hills Golf Club in Lexington. The event, known for its exciting competitions and charitable endeavors, drew participants and supporters from across the region. Golf enthusiasts enjoyed a day filled withContinue Reading
Honoring a Quarter-Century Commitment to Literacy in Central South Carolina Turning Pages SC, a nonprofit literacy council dedicated to teaching adults to read for free, has bestowed its prestigious Lifetime Member Award upon Jerry Bellune in recognition of his unwavering dedication to literacy in central South Carolina. At 88 yearsContinue Reading