BLUFFTON SELF HELP

Posted by Mary O'Neill

"Helping people to help themselves."

Jenny Haney, Executive Director of Self Help, spoke to the Bluffton Rotary Club on Wednesday, February 18^th clearly emphasizing Self Help's growing need for contributions as our community's needs grow during this economic down turn. She stated their mission is "to help those individuals in the greater Bluffton area who are in need of short-term, documented financial assistance, and to also provide them with the most fundamental needs, such as food and clothing, while urging them to become more self-reliant."

Bluffton Self Help was started by Mrs. Ida Martin in 1987, initially working out of her garage and obtaining resources from family and friends, sometimes going door to door. Today, Self Help serves thousands of individuals with United Way providing 23% of their income. Last year 656 families were served equating to $151,000 spent. Recently, 500 people came in for clothing in just one week, and on an average day now, more than 30 people are lined up for food contributions before the doors open.

Haney outlined how we can all help as the number of people being serviced continues to grow:

Donate non-perishable food items as well as seasonal clothing, linens, working small appliances, and home furnishings.
Become a volunteer at the center located on May River Road.
Make a monetary contribution.