COVID-19

This is an unprecedented time in our history.  The families of Brunswick County, as well as the non-profits who typically assist in supporting them, need our help.  If every household in St. James contributes $25 or more, we could raise $100,000 for COVID-19 aid. All monies donated will go to Matthew’s Ministry, SOIICF Food Pantry, Boys and Girls Club of Lake Waccamaw, Hope Harbor Home, New Hope Clinic, and Brunswick Family Assistance.

To donate by credit card, please click on the link below. You may designation your donation to one of the charities above if you prefer. Continue reading below to see excerpts from non-profits desperately in need of our help.

Drop off points for cash or checks (made payable to SJSC):

2556 Shellbark Ct.  – Woodlands 3953 Wyndmere Drive  -  Reserve

3239 Moss Hammock - Reserve 4298 Finley Court - Regency

2708 Moss Creek Court - Members 4498 Millwright Circle - Players

3020 Baycrest Drive - Reserve 2747 Cedar Crest Drive - Grove

Below are comments and feedback we have received from brunswick county non-profits that are in desperate need of our help. These organizations help children and families directly impacted by COVID-19.

SOIICF Food Pantry

  • The Food Pantry currently has a good stock of canned goods and non-perishables, although resources will start to run out as this pandemic goes on.

  • The meat freezers are just about empty. The Food Pantry is facing the same challenges that we have while shopping in our local food stores, but unlike us, the food pantry clients do not have any other options.

Matthew’s Ministry

  • Right now the best way to help is through food and monetary donations. We have 9 distribution sites set up in the county. Churches are staffing those sites and we provide the food for them to distribute. Many people have donated food and money and we are so thankful for their efforts because we know as this economic crisis looms the situation will get worse for many families in our community. We expect our numbers to rise as the weeks pass by. 

  • We have received several emails from families about children not being enrolled in our backpack program but now are finding that they need food due to the harsh economic realities of this situation. They can visit any of the distribution sites (listed weekly on the Matthew’s Ministry Facebook page) and we will get their child enrolled in the program when and if school resumes. We do not want any child to suffer from food insecurity in these difficult times.

  • If you would like to donate goods, the biggest need is for canned chicken, Chef Boyardee canned goods, macaroni and cheese and 1 lb. bags of rice. Items can be dropped off at 8500 Oak Island Drive. "

-Kristie Disbrow, Founder, Matthew’s Ministry

Boys and Girls Home of Lake Waccamaw

  • The stress of the Coronavirus is already taking its toll on vulnerable children. With schools closed and families together all the time, the increased numbers of children who are being abused and neglected need help more than ever. We anticipate placement referrals increasing for these children.

  • We are getting calls daily to place more children in our care.  Some are from foster families that do not have the means to support the children in their care.  Some are from families that need help since school is not in session and they need to work, can’t work or can’t afford food. 

  • And some are calls from DSS with children who are being abused in these times of increased family stress.  We are still taking referrals for placement of children on our campus and in foster homes. 

- Mike Garrell, Boys and Girls Home of Lake Waccamaw

Brunswick Family Assistance

  • In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Brunswick Family Assistance (BFA) is seeing an increased need for food services throughout the county.

  • More people are out of work and are needing food services than normal. BFA will continue to ensure the community’s needs are taken care of by providing food distribution and other services.

  • A large number of families are running out of food before the end of the month.

  • BFA has increase the number of allowed pantry visits from once to twice (2 times) per month. This effort is in response to the current COVID-19 pandemic and serves to ensure that no family goes hungry in the county. Financial contributions are safer for the community than food donations due to the potential spread of Covid-19.

- Charles Jackson, Brunswick Family Assistance 

Hope Harbor Home, Inc.

  • The situation with the Corona Virus has put us in an extremely tough position.  Two of our biggest fundraisers of the year fall in April and August. The April event was just cancelled last week and we have fear the August one may be as well. These two events are a huge part of our budget and without them we are left to figure out where we will get the money to offset this loss. Any assistance or guidance would be greatly appreciated.

- Karmen C. Smith, Executive Director, Hope Harbor Home, Inc.