52 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com holiday spirit Philanthropy is the desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed especially by the generous donation of money to benefit good causes. In Mount Pleasant, there are many in need who could use your help. The following is a list of several area nonprofits that are assisting and supporting the underserved in our community in various ways. DEE NORTON CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER The mission of the Dee Norton Child Advocacy Center is to lead and coordinate a child-focused, community-wide response to prevent abuse, protect children and heal families. They have two locations, one in downtown Charleston and the other in Mount Pleasant. Dee Norton has a long history of advocating for children who are victims of abuse. The model was established to coordinate a better community response to a child and a family where abuse is concerned. They work with law enforcement, social services, the solicitor’s office, mental health organizations and the medical community. To learn more or get involved, visit deenortoncenter.org or call (843) 723-3600. EAST COOPER MEALS ON WHEELS East Cooper Meals on Wheels (ECMOW) is privately funded, raising money from the community. They feed anyone who is homebound and unable to prepare a meal. This pioneering enterprise offers services to everyone from young adults in their 20s who have been impacted by a car accident, to the elderly population in need of elder care. ECMOW feeds at least 250 households per week, providing food and nutritional drinks. They deliver meals Monday through Friday, and even have a breakfast program, which also delivers fresh fruit. If you are in need, visit them at ecmow.org or call (843) 881-9350. EAST COOPER COMMUNITY OUTREACH East Cooper Community Outreach (ECCO) has been helping Mount Pleasant residents since Hurricane Hugo. Their mission is to stabilize local families that struggle to make ends meet. They provide healthcare and dental services, and even offer support by providing necessary alimentation to those in need. Last year, ECCO provided care to 1% of Mount Pleasant’s population and served at least 800 children. To learn more or get involved, visit eccocharleston.org or call (843) 849-9220. EAST COOPER FAITH NETWORK This Mount Pleasantbased nonprofit provides two programs to the community. Fix-It! is an essential home repair program for East Cooper homeowners living in ill-fit conditions. Volunteers help with repairs relating to safety, health and accessibility. I-Beam is a reading and mentoring program supporting students in East Cooper elementary schools. Students who are nominated receive additional support in reading and mentoring, attending weekly meet-ups with their mentors. The goals are to improve literacy, foster a love of reading and build confidence and communication skills in a positive setting with an encouraging adult. To learn more or get involved, visit ecfaithnetwork.org or call (843) 972-7566. Although we should be mindful that people need help year-round, the holiday season is one of the busiest times for giving, whether that be via donations or gifts to nonprofits. Wrapped with Care Philanthropy: The best present of all BY MAURICE J. FRAZIER
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