DCCAA, Veterans Affairs Office host multiple donation events
Veterans Affairs Officers Mr. Clarence Chapman Jr. and Mr. Jim Williams stand with DCCAA/Head Start directors Mrs. Jacqueline Slayton and Mrs. Diane McIver pose with a very grateful family. PHOTO BY STEPHAN DREW
Head Start Director Diane McIver stands with Rep. Robert Williams, Veterans Affairs Director Jim Williams and others during their coordinated Christmas Toy Giveaway. PHOTO BY STEPHAN DREW
By Stephan Drew, Editor
The spirit of giving was on full display this holiday season as the Darlington County Community Action Agency (DCCAA) and the Darlington County Office of Veterans Affairs joined forces to make Christmas brighter for families across the community.
DCCAA’s annual Sponsor-A-Family Drive once again proved to be a powerful reminder of what community collaboration can accomplish. Through the generosity of agency staff, local businesses, faith-based organizations, schools, and individual residents, the initiative successfully sponsored 60 Head Start and Early Head Start families, ensuring the holiday season was filled with warmth, dignity, and joy.
Sponsored families received much-needed clothing, toys, and gift cards, helping ease financial strain during a time that can be especially stressful for low-income households. In addition, more than 100 parents were given the opportunity to personally select a toy for their child, allowing them to experience the joy and pride of giving during the holidays.
Sponsors who supported this year’s drive included:
United Way; St. John UMC; Wesley Chapel; TLD Catering; J. Eaddy Trucking; Adam’s Nursing Arms of Love; Suburban Propane; Stephanie Tax Service; Darlington County Veterans Affairs; Jacquelyn James Slayton Head Start/Early Head Start; M.G. Burno Head Start/Early Head Start; Kingdome Builders Christian Church; Centenary UMC; Mrs. Alicia Peterson; Darlington County Community Action Agency; Class of 2003; St. John Alumni; and Lauren Walden & Family.
For many families facing financial hardship, these acts of kindness helped reduce the stress often associated with the holiday season and allowed parents to focus on what matters most—creating meaningful memories and spending quality time with their loved ones. The Sponsor-A-Family Drive highlights the strength of community partnerships and a shared commitment to supporting children and families throughout Darlington County.
The holiday activities were held at the Jacqueline Slayton Head Start Center on Washington Street in Hartsville and the Mildred Burno Head Start Center on Law Plantation Road in Darlington.
On the same day and at the same locations, the Darlington County Office of Veterans Affairs added to the holiday cheer by hosting a successful toy drive that collected more than 300 toys for local children and families. Through a valued partnership with DCCAA, the toys were distributed to children enrolled in Head Start and Early Head Start programs, as well as families served through the Community Services Program.
“What started as a simple idea on a Tuesday the week before Christmas break, turned into something much bigger than I imagined,” said Joel McCall, DCCAA Family Service Worker, “We reached out to friends and members of the community and asked if they would be willing to donate just $5 to help support students at Jacquelyn James Slayton Head Start Academy.”
McCall continued, “Because of that generosity, we were able to raise enough funds to provide Walmart gift cards to 198 children. While the original goal was to reach all 295 enrolled students, every child who was present at school on Friday received a card. The remaining gift cards will be used as incentives and rewards for students moving forward.”
“The most meaningful part of this experience wasn’t the numbers, it was seeing the smiles on the children’s faces,” McCall remarked, “Those moments were truly priceless”.
This heartwarming collaboration brought smiles to countless faces and reflected the strong community spirit and shared dedication to uplifting Darlington County families during the holiday season.