Edisto News
Claflin University doubles last year's campaign
Claflin University is well known for its generosity and efforts to make Orangeburg a better place to live, and their effort in this year's United Way of the Midlands campaign is no different.
Claflin University raised more than $6,000 for the Edisto Council of United Way of the Midlands, an increase of more than 134% compared to last year's total.
Dr. Amenti Sujai, Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy and Religion Coordinator, African and African American Studies, served as the Employee Campaign Coordinator for the campaign. Dr. Sujai set the theme for this year's campaign, "Love Begins at Home."
Working with Dr. Sujai was Edisto Council Account Manager Debra Smith, who made presentations on United Way to various groups at Claflin over a period of just a few weeks.
"Dr. Sujai did an outstanding job arranging these meetings, and her efforts really made a difference in helping bring lasting change to our community," said Smith. "We couldn't have done it without her help."
Accompanying them on most of the presentations were representatives from various certified partner agencies of United Way, including Liz Zimmerman Keitt, Director for Project Life: Positeen, an organization that began on the campus of Claflin and grew from there to a facility located on Summers Avenue in a building provided by the County of Orangeburg.
Project Life: Positeen provides an after school tutorial service for youth in the community who need remediation and enrichment to improve their academic performance.
Edisto Council kicks off 2007-2008 Campaign
Claflin University raised more than $6,000 for the Edisto Council of United Way of the Midlands, an increase of more than 134% compared to last year's total.
Dr. Amenti Sujai, Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy and Religion Coordinator, African and African American Studies, served as the Employee Campaign Coordinator for the campaign. Dr. Sujai set the theme for this year's campaign, "Love Begins at Home."
Working with Dr. Sujai was Edisto Council Account Manager Debra Smith, who made presentations on United Way to various groups at Claflin over a period of just a few weeks.
"Dr. Sujai did an outstanding job arranging these meetings, and her efforts really made a difference in helping bring lasting change to our community," said Smith. "We couldn't have done it without her help."
Accompanying them on most of the presentations were representatives from various certified partner agencies of United Way, including Liz Zimmerman Keitt, Director for Project Life: Positeen, an organization that began on the campus of Claflin and grew from there to a facility located on Summers Avenue in a building provided by the County of Orangeburg.
Project Life: Positeen provides an after school tutorial service for youth in the community who need remediation and enrichment to improve their academic performance.
Edisto Council kicks off 2007-2008 Campaign
The Edisto Council of United Way of the Midlands kicked off its 2007-2008 fundraising campaign at the Bulldog Lounge at SC State University on Friday, September 21 at noon with 40% of the $200,000 goal already secured.
The event was emceed by Coach Willie Jeffries, and the guest speaker was Craig Melvin from WIS-TV. The SC State University Drumline and Claflin University 1869 Jubilee Quartet provided music and enthusiasm for the event.
Funds raised are used to support health and human service programs in Orangeburg and Calhoun counties. United Way of the Midlands volunteers target resources and through competitive funding to certified partner agencies achieve results toward long lasting change. The funds are used to provide basic needs, help children and youth succeed, promote financial security and independence, and improve people's health.
Eight pacesetter companies were recognized Friday morning. "PACESETTERS" are organizations who agree to conduct a quality campaign early and to strive towards a 10% increase in giving and/or participation. Those companies were: Albemarle, Carpenter Technology, City of Orangeburg, Community Resource Bank, County of Orangeburg, Cox Wood, SCANA and SCB&T.
The Edisto Council would like to thank Willie Jeffries and Craig Melvin, as well as the SC State Drumline and Claflin University 1869 Jubilee Quartet, The Times and Democrat and Dr. Andrew Hugine for providing the Bulldog Lounge.
United Way teams up with Habitat for Humanity
As the clouds rolled overhead on a gloomy Saturday morning, bright-eyed volunteers with Edisto Habitat for Humanity picked up their paint brushes and rollers and added some color to an otherwise gray day and got busy painting the second of four Habitat houses scheduled to be built this year.
Debra Smith, Account Manager for the Edisto Council of United Way of the Midlands, was there to help finish painting the two-bedroom home in one day. "I am very excited to be helping out today," Smith said. "While I may not know how to do a lot of construction work, painting is one thing that I can do! This is such a wonderful, worthwhile organization, and what they are providing to these families is awesome."
As the clouds rolled overhead on a gloomy Saturday morning, bright-eyed volunteers with Edisto Habitat for Humanity picked up their paint brushes and rollers and added some color to an otherwise gray day and got busy painting the second of four Habitat houses scheduled to be built this year. Debra Smith, Account Manager for the Edisto Council of United Way of the Midlands, was there to help finish painting the two-bedroom home in one day. "I am very excited to be helping out today," Smith said. "While I may not know how to do a lot of construction work, painting is one thing that I can do! This is such a wonderful, worthwhile organization, and what they are providing to these families is awesome."
Habitat for Humanity is one of the agencies funded through United Way of the Midlands. For more information or to receive an application, please contact Habitat for Humanity at 536-2300 or Debra Smith at the United Way office at 531-9990. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Betty Stone at 534-5837.
Edisto Council Celebrates 2006-2007 Campaign 
Orangeburg's Morning Rotary Club hosted United Way of the Midlands' Edisto Council on May 16 for their campaign celebration. Rotary members, nonprofit agency representatives and other business leaders learned about the health and human service needs of Orangeburg and Calhoun counties and celebrated this year's increased giving.
Campaign coordinators receiving awards were: Alice McLaughlin from SCANA, Barbara Hughes from Albemarle Corporation, Pat Thomas from the Department of Public Utilities, Haley Kizer from Cox Industries, Katie Hane from South Carolina Bank and Trust, Claudia Pardue from South Carolina Bank and Trust, Kayla Goodwin from the County of Orangeburg, Kevin Brunson from the City of Orangeburg, Pat Busby from Federal Mogul Friction Products, Stephanie Grant from Community Resource Bank, Michelle Cox from Community Resource Bank, Ernest Fascett from Carpenter Technology Corporation, Beverly Isgett from Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College, and Jessie Baxter Singletary from Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College.
Michael Salley honored with Community Impact award
"Our affiliate was established in 1991, and since that time he has given more hours to our organization than any other volunteer," said Jamie Bozardt, nominator from Edisto Habitat for Humanity. "We will be dedicating the 39th habitat home in Orangeburg on March 24, 2007. This would not be possible without all of the dedicated work of my nominee."
Soup, Suds and Salvation with United Way
Every Thursday on Nottingham Road in Orangeburg, the Salvation Army is stirring up support for those in need with its Soup, Suds and Salvation! project.
Sponsored by United Way of the Midlands Edisto Council, the program allows people to do a small load of laundry while enjoying a hot meal and a Christian music devotional from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. One week's menu featured fried pork chops, barbecue pork chops, wing tips, rice, boiled cabbage, biscuits and dessert, for example. Each week, about 40 people turn out for fellowship along with a wonderful meal provided by a mix of Salvation Army employees and volunteers.
United Way Account Manager Debra Smith, on hand to help cook, serve and clean up, said she believes in the program and its message. "We had a great turnout and hope to increase our number of recipients," Smith said. "This is truly a wonderful program, and I am thankful for all who help make this a success. I truly enjoyed meeting and serving everyone!"
Debra Smith, the council's account manager, emphasized the importance of involving businesses, organizations and individuals from Calhoun County in Edisto's campaign, which begins with the Day of Caring in September. Calhoun County First Steps, Orangeburg School Districts 4 and 5, Orangeburg Council of Aging, Orangeburg Red Cross and the Salvation Army Thrift Store participate in Day of Caring.
Three speakers from United Way of the Midlands' Edisto Council addressed the Rotary Club of St. Matthews on April 2 to encourage Calhoun County's involvement in United Way.
Debra Smith, the council's account manager, emphasized the importance of involving businesses, organizations and individuals from Calhoun County in Edisto's campaign, which begins with the Day of Caring in September. Calhoun County First Steps, Orangeburg School Districts 4 and 5, Orangeburg Council of Aging, Orangeburg Red Cross and the Salvation Army Thrift Store participate in Day of Caring.
Katie Hane of South Carolina Bank & Trust spoke of the need for Calhoun County's businesses and organizations to work with United Way in order that it might grow.
Dr. Howard Hill, a loaned executive for the Edisto Council, also addressed the Rotary Club. Hill is a retired professor of education and former vice president of academic affairs for Claflin University and South Carolina State University.
