Mount Pleasant Magazine Nov/Dec 2018

55 www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.ILoveMountPleasant.com | www.BestofMP.com became involved a decade ago, beginning their journey when their younger son started volunteering. “He could have had a minimum-wage job like a lot of high school kids but chose to go to ECCO. He thought that would be a more meaningful way to spend his summer. He gave up some spending money but also knew his parents were not going to let him starve. The folks at ECCO he worked with spoke very well of him, and they certainly enjoyed his youth and energy for some of the larger tasks,” Giff said. Soon after, the whole family was involved, with their other son giving time in the warehouse, Lisa volunteering in the food pantry – where she still gives time to this day – and Giff as a board member, including serving as immediate past president. And while there are term limits, Giff said his involvement with ECCO won’t end when he leaves the board. “I’m a proud member of the ECCO board and look forward to being part of ECCO even after my current term expires,” he said, adding that the board is a dedicated and committed unit that keeps growing along with ECCO. “The board has continued to get stronger as ECCO, through the integrity and depth of its mission, has attracted great people. The board is on an upward trajectory on talent,” he said. Giff, the vice president and general manager of Nucor Steel Berkeley, said one of the major components that his family admired in ECCO is how the organization works to assist people to get back on their feet and regain a self- sufficient life. That approach includes not just helping individuals with immediate needs such as food, clothing and health care but extends to helping individuals better their lives in the long run. Employment services include monthly career training, a career-resource center for job searches and resume building. ECCO also offers budgeting workshops, tax assistance and a savings-account program with a matching potential. In a single month, ECCO may assist as many as 400 families at its Six Mile Road location. “We’re impressed with their dedication and the whole idea of a holistic approach to lifting people out of poverty,” Giff said. The Daughtridges have seen countless families make that initial entrance into ECCO, which can be a difficult step. “It took their own fortitude. They had to get themselves through the doors and take advantage of all the resources available,” he said. Staff and volunteers at ECCO know there can be a myriad of reasons why someone may need to seek help – but the end goal is always the same. “Whatever the issue is, they’re not looking to get a handout. They’re looking to get their lives back on track,” Giff explained. And when they emerge back on their feet and can share those stories, Giff said the impact ECCO has had always resonates. “When you talk to them about ECCO, they tear up. They view their interaction with ECCO as an absolute turning point in their lives. The gratitude and the way they feel about ECCO – that’s what sticks with me,” he concluded. To learn more about ECCO, to donate to the organization, to learn about volunteer opportunities or to be added to ECCO’s mailing list, call 843-849-9220 or visit https://eccocharleston.org . feature 1233 Ben Sawyer Blvd., Suite 800 | 843-972-8137 | www.coastalrowingstudio.com JOIN TODAY! Don’t wait until January 1st! FITNESS... the Gift you choose to give Yourself . 50% OFF Your FirstMonth ofMembership Expires 12/24/18. LOOK AND FEEL BETTER LESS STRESS MOREENERGY