Take Action to Fight Hunger in September
September inscribes the tragic event of 1989 that changed the history of Charleston. At first glance, we naturally
remember Hurricane Hugo’s devastation - the destruction to buildings, land, and our own personal property. It is easy
to recall the heartache, blood sweat, and tears, shed by everyone who cleaned the remnants as the community came
together. As one looks back, frowns slowly turned upside down. Neighbors met neighbors. Memories turn to survival,
which resulted in new friendships while sharing each other’s power equipment, shovels, rakes, and whatever else
someone may have lacked. Neighbors pitched in to help others with restoration and property repair. Spontaneous
neighborhood cookouts seemed to pop up everywhere. Lifelong friendships were made.
Hurricane Hugo may have brought loss to Charleston, but it also activated a movement of hope. One of the most
significant pillars that continues to stand and serve is East Cooper Community Outreach (ECCO). Monsignor James
Carter led his parish, Christ our King Catholic Church, to reach out and become a refuge, providing emergency relief
effort: food and water. Today, ECCO continues to provide its original staple of safety-net services: food, clothing, and
financial assistance, now accompanied by health and educational programs.
September is also Hunger Action Month – a national initiative that reminds us all of the continued need to help our
neighbors experiencing food insecurity. In their most recent Hunger Report, Feeding America shares that more than
631,300 children, families, and seniors rely on food assistance each year in South Carolina. Additionally, I recently
learned that 20% of our community’s children go to school without breakfast. ECCO provides food to about 360
families in need every month and distributes 230,000+ pounds annually in an effort to reduce hunger in the
Lowcountry.
We are appreciative of such a wide variety of those who keep our warehouse shelves stocked by hosting food drives,
volunteering, and/or donating to ECCO’s Annual Fund. Our efforts continue to thrive because of ongoing partnerships
with religious institutions, community groups, grocery stores, businesses, donors, volunteers, and civic organizations
like Rotary Clubs. There are several remarkable and dedicated Rotarian groups in East Cooper and I am grateful to
acknowledge the East Cooper Breakfast Rotary Club for their engagement and growing partnership. The group
recently held their monthly meeting at our facility so members could learn more about ECCO’s comprehensive
services, and how their personal efforts allow us to help the community in need.
We are all looking forward to Friday, September 23 for the EC Breakfast Rotary Club’s Speakeasy…Prohibition for a
Cause. Members have been working tirelessly to plan their fundraiser that will support the missions of ECCO and My
Sister’s House. You don’t want to miss this special event – a fun and memorable night of dancing to live jazz music, a
silent auction, raffle, and more – all to benefit the community. Period attire is suggested so I encourage you to
purchase a ticket today and find your best 1920’s outfit. Visit our website at www.ECCOcharleston.org or
www.eastcooperspeakeasy.com for more details. Join us for the party and take action to fight hunger! Your support
will help to put food on the table for our neighbors in need.
Jack Little
Executive Director
East Cooper Community Outreach
September 16, 2016