Giving Back: United Way of the Lowcountry's Operation Holiday Heroes

United Way of the Lowcountry is proud to partner with Toys for Tots, Agape Family Life Center, Antioch Educational Center, Bluffton Self Help, Deep Well Project, Love House Ministries, and The Salvation Army again this year for Operation Holiday Heroes.

This initiative is a two-county collaboration to assure that every child and family in need throughout Beaufort and Jasper Counties has toys and food this Christmas.

Through this collaboration, United Way of the Lowcountry is hoping to bring the joy of Christmas to children and families in our community through Operation Holiday Heroes. 

“Christmas is a magical time of year and we want every child in our community to wake up Christmas morning and experience that magic regardless of their financial situation,” said Chrystie Turner, Vice President of Community Impact at United Way of the Lowcountry. “This year has been especially tough and we hope everyone will help us spread some holiday cheer to children in our community who need it the most.”

Due to the financial impact of COVID-19, the need this year is expected to be greater than ever before. Turner says many of those families who have donated soccer balls and dolls to Operation Holiday Heroes in the past are now needing assistance themselves this year. 

Here’s How to Get Involved:

– Donate toys by dropping them off at the United Way of the Lowcountry office in Beaufort. (Must contact ahead of time to schedule a drop off time. Contact Amber at 843.564.8811 or ahewitt@uwlowcountry.org.)

 – Donate toys at one of the many Toys for Tots boxes throughout Beaufort and Jasper Counties. Check out the list on the United Way website at www.uwlowcountry.org.

– Make a monetary donation to Operation Holiday Heroes online at www.uwlowcountry.org or by making a check payable to Operation Holiday Heroes. Send checks to United Way of the Lowcountry, P.O. Box 202, Beaufort, SC 29901. (Please indicate if you wish to remain anonymous.)

– Order toys online and ship them directly to the United Way of the Lowcountry Office at 1277 Ribaut Road, Beaufort, SC 29902. (For more information, contact Amber at United Way of the Lowcountry at 843.564.8811 or ahewitt@uwlowcountry.org.)

– Collect gifts and/or donations for Operation Holiday Heroes in your neighborhood.

– Make a donation in memory of a loved one or in honor of them. 

– For Businesses – Become a Toys for Tots Drop-off location by requesting a donation box. (Contact Amber at United Way of the Lowcountry at 843.564.8811 or ahewitt@uwlowcountry.org.)

In Need of Assistance? 

Those needing Christmas assistance will need to register for Operation Holiday Heroes at one of the participating sites throughout Beaufort and Jasper Counties. For a complete list of dates, times, and locations, visit www.uwlowcountry.org. 

For more information, contact Amber at the United Way of the Lowcountry Office at 843.564.8811 or visit www.uwlowcountry.org.

As noted, all sites have different registration dates, times, and requirements. Please see attached flyers for ALL registration information for Beaufort County and Jasper County. (Links to the flyers are below as well for your reference)

Click here for Beaufort County Registration Information

Click here for Jasper County Registration Information

Note: All locations will be following the CDC’s guidelines and practicing Social Distancing. All registrants, volunteers and employees will be required to wear masks at Registration Sites. For indoor registrations, one person per family is allowed only. No children will be allowed at registration sites. Please contact individual site for additional information.