Join us by Making an Impact!
A Message from the President
We only have a few months left in the 20/21 campaign, and unfortunately we are only at 69% of our goal. Your support of United Way of Horry County matters to us, and it matters to our whole community. It is felt every day by us and the countless community partners that benefit from donations to the United Way. All of us are working our hardest to extend a hand-up to the thousands of our friends and neighbors with real help for everyday issues. In 2021, the needs are greater than ever.
For many individuals, the needs are immediate and serious, like keeping our local food pantries stocked for families who need them. For others, the United Way helps move families from just surviving to thriving by providing access to job coaching, mental health counseling and free tax preparation.
And for our community’s youth, you support reading programs, Camp United Summer Literacy and Math program, and mentoring to ensure kids can grow into successful, engaged adults.
All of these needs, big and small, are important at the United Way of Horry County. We know that by making sure these needs are fulfilled, a life can be changed. And when one life is changed, a whole community is improved.
Your past support of the United Way of Horry County has allowed great things to happen for so many people. You’ve kept the heat on for families in need. You’ve sent kids to summer camp. You’ve helped families escape domestic violence. We invite you to be part of this important work once again and consider making a donation to our annual campaign.
Blakely J. Roof
President & CEO
May Day Senior Bags
In the past, United Way of Horry County has collected items for our May Day Bag Program. Due to COVID-19 health and safety regulations, we ask that you consider donating $26 to fill one May Day bag for a local homebound senior.
1000 bags are purchased and filled by United Way of Horry County. Then, these bags are distributed by Mobile Meals of the Grand Strand and Horry County Council on Aging.
You can now donate to make an impact on a local homebound senior.
Funds raised support this event and the ongoing mission of impacting lives in Horry County.
Caring for Kindergarteners 2021
Each year, Coastal Carolina University student-athletes read to kindergarten students across Horry County to teach them a cycle of caring. This program shows the children the importance of early childhood literacy as well as volunteerism. Caring for Kindergarteners will be held the week of February 15th, 2021.
Due to Horry County Schools operating on a virtual and hybrid schedule, we are hosting this event all week long so all students are able to participate. Student-Athletes will be virtually reading “You Get What You Get” by Julie Gassman. This title teaches students to be grateful for what they have and how to deal with disappointment.
We would like to thank A&I Fire and Water Restoration for being this year’s program sponsor.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
We have three free tax preparation sites opening in Conway, Myrtle Beach, and Surfside Beach. Residents with a combined household income of $56,000 or less in 2020 are eligible for the service. In 2020, volunteers helped 890 individuals file their taxes. United Way of Horry County recruits and trains community volunteers to receive IRS tax certification. These volunteers staff VITA sites to assist residents with program eligibility and determine if filers qualify for tax credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child and Dependent Care Credit.
You must call our office, 843-347-5195 ext 1 to schedule an appointment to receive tax preparation assistance. A member of our staff will return your call to confirm or reschedule your appointment. Appointments are NOT confirmed until you have spoken with a member of our staff.
211 Day
211 Day is celebrated annually on February 11th (2/11)! This free and confidential service is provided by United Way of Horry County that helps callers get connected to resources for basic needs assistance.
In 2020, Horry County’s 211 received 2,728 calls. Of those 2,728 calls, the top 5 needs were utility assistance, rental assistance, food resources, health and dental services, and housing/shelter.
211 referral specialists are able to help individuals receive assistance for a variety of needs such as: COVID-19 resources, basic needs, transportation, employment, and mental health services. You can call 211 by dialing 2-1-1 or 1-866-892-9211 24/7/365. There is always help when you need it most.
