COLUMBIA, SC: Spreading Holiday Cheer with the Good Neighbor Fund!
As the holiday season rolls in, the spirit of giving is alive and well in Columbia, South Carolina. For a remarkable 42 years, an employee-driven effort at Dominion Energy has been a beacon of hope for families in need, thanks to the Good Neighbor Fund Christmas Project. The festive initiative focuses on spreading joy and providing essential support to those who might be struggling during this time of year.
Food, Toys, and Community Love
This season, volunteers have come together to pack an impressive 450 bags of food, each filled with a hearty mix of canned meats, vegetables, and fresh fruits. But that’s not all! Alongside the delicious goodies, around 500 toys were thoughtfully hand-wrapped, ensuring that children across the Midlands would wake up on Christmas morning to a delightful surprise.
These gifts and groceries are thoughtfully delivered to families referred by employees of Dominion Energy, ensuring the support reaches those who need it most. Annette Burnette, a dedicated volunteer on the Good Neighbor Fund Board, beautifully summed it up: “Whether it’s a child being able to wake up on Christmas Day with a present under the tree, or a parent struggling to provide for their children, we’re able to help them.”
A Personal Touch
The initiative aims to make an impact far and wide, with a special focus on supporting low-income Hispanic and Latino families within Richland School District Two. One volunteer, Javier Santos, shared his heartfelt perspective, saying, “Growing up, we didn’t have everything. My mom was a single mother with my four siblings. Sometimes it was a struggle to get our next meal.” Santos emphasized the significance of giving back, stating, “Being able to give back to the community is a personal thing for me.”
Gratitude Beyond Words
Nelly Jolley, the Hispanic Outreach Coordinator for Richland Two, echoed similar sentiments. She highlighted the joy and gratitude of the families receiving assistance from the project. “Being hungry is not a good feeling for anybody,” she expressed. “It’s terrible as a mother when you don’t have food for your children.” Her emotion spoke volumes as she expressed her gratitude for the volunteers, saying, “I’m going to have my Christmas knowing that our needy families are going to have food on the table, thanks to you all.” Tears of appreciation flowed as she thanked everyone involved in the initiative.
All-Year Support
But the Good Neighbor Fund doesn’t stop at Christmas. Throughout the year, it also provides financial assistance to families facing unexpected tragedies or emergencies. This comprehensive support ensures that families don’t have to grapple with their struggles alone, making the community feel just a little bit smaller and more connected.
As we delve into this holiday season, Columbia is reminded that even amidst the challenges, there’s always a reason to shine a little brighter. The Good Neighbor Fund Christmas Project showcases how community unity and kindness can create ripples of hope and joy that last far beyond the holidays.
Here’s to spreading love, joy, and good cheer—because the true spirit of Christmas really is about giving back!
