IRMO – Mayor Bill Danielson announced a new partnership with the Irmo Police Department’s Community Foundation (IPDCF) this week, unveiling the “Mayor’s Uplift Initiative,” a program designed to provide greater assistance to families in need throughout the Irmo area.
Backed by generous community support, the initiative has already raised approximately $70,000 in donations from local businesses and individuals.
“This is about lifting up our neighbors and making Irmo stronger together,” said Mayor Danielson. “We’re proud to work with the Irmo Police Department Community Foundation to get vital support to families who need it most.” “We’re here to help better our community by providing enough for them to have food in their pantry, food in their refrigerator and that they’re power stays on,” said Danielson. “This is to bridge the gap with funds from community members and businesses who support those who are less fortunate.”
“Hamed Javad has driven the Irmo Police Department Community Foundation from the beginning,” said Mayor Danielson. “This is what they do and this is why we wanted to partner with them to bring it to the next level.” One of the foundations programs is ‘Shop with a Cop’ around Christmas time that allows families to shop with an Irmo Police Officer to provide comforts for the family during the holidays. The goal this year to provide 100 families with $500 each in assistance.
“This initiative is designed to serve those who simply don’t have enough..without delay, without meetings and without bureaucracy,” said David Brock. Brock was the first to respond to Danielson’s challenge to the community to step up by committing another $6,000 on the spot. The donations at the time of this printing had reached $70,000.
Brock thanked Mayor Danielson for his vision and for allowing him to be a part of what he felt was ‘something so meaningful for the people of Irmo.’ “We can’t conquer the world,” said Brock. “We can’t take care of Charlotte, but we can take care of Irmo.”
“I want this to be an ongoing initiative each year and keep growing year after year,” said Danielson. “It’s called the mayor’s initiative because I want every mayor from the Town of Irmo to drive this initiative and build upon it long after I’m gone.” Contributions have been between $500 to $10,000.
“One of our goals is to get the public involved,” Danielson said. “Whether it be five dollars, ten dollars or one hundred dollars anyone can donate to the Mayor’s Uplift Initiative by going to the ipdcommunityfoundation.org website and hit the donate tab.”
As part of his initiative Mayor Danielson signed up the Town of Irmo for the Mayor’s Alliance to End Childhood Hunger. A nationwide coalition that would allow the town to receive grants to help feed hungry children in our community and offers a network of like minded town leaders
The IPDCF, a nonprofit organization founded in 2019, is focused on building positive relationships between police officers and the community. Through year-round programs and events, the foundation works to create a safer, more compassionate Irmo.
Signature programs supported by the IPDCF include:
- Serving Our Seniors (SOS)
- National Night Out
- Shop with a Cop
- School supply drives for local children
- An annual food drive for families in need
The foundation operates entirely on donations and sponsorships.
How to Donate
Residents and businesses can support the Uplift Initiative and other IPDCF programs in several ways:
- Mail a check or money order to IPDCF, PO Box 2692, Irmo, SC 29063
- Drop off donations in person at the Irmo Police Department (1230 Columbia Ave.)
- Donate online via PayPal
For questions or more information, contact Sgt. Brett Mielke in the Community Services Division at [email protected] or (803) 781-8088.
Together, Irmo is making a difference—one family at a time.
