Local Opportunities to Serve the Poor

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” 

Matthew 25:40

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church partners with many local charity organizations to help serve the poor in Camden, SC and surrounding Kershaw County area.  Take a look and volunteer your time with one of these local organizations!

  • ALPHA – Alcohol & Drug & Mental Health Services

    Ways to Serve: ALPHA does not utilize volunteers but they do operate a clothes closet designed  to assist clients with clothing for interviews or court appearances. Donations of appropriate  clothing are appreciated. 


    Mission: ALPHA seeks to provide quality services to individuals and their families and/or support  systems to reduce problems associated with substance misuse/use, behavioral/mental health  needs and co-occurring disorders, in an accessible outpatient setting. 

    • Provide the best services available for each person and their families/support systems in  need prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery for substance misuse/use,  behavioral/mental health needs and/or co-occurring disorders. 
    • Incorporate each person’s abilities, strengths, needs, and preferences in their services. 
    • To facilitate healthy lifestyle changes. 
    • Utilize Best Practices 

    A private non-profit organization, ALPHA Behavioral Health Center operates as a standalone  non-profit solely under the direction of a self-perpetuating Board of Directors. The agency  receives the majority of funding from State and Federal alcohol and drug abuse programs. The  agency also contracts with local governmental, private businesses and other stakeholders to  administer specific prevention, intervention and treatment programs. Private donations and  grants are received for specialized programs. ALPHA Behavioral Health Center does not deny  anyone services based on the inability to pay. 


    https://alphabehavioralhealthcenter.org 

    https://www.facebook.com/alphabehavioralhealthcenter 

    Call ALPHA
  • Christian Community Ministries - Provides food staples, financial assistance with utilities, rent, prescriptions and dental needs

    Ways to Serve: By praying, donating funds or staples and volunteering. 


    Mission: To help those who have physical and financial needs as a result of some unexpected  and unanticipated event that results in a decrease in income or an increase in expenses. We  want to impact problems to change lives so that all people may thrive. 

    Christian Community Ministries provides food staples, financial assistance with utilities, rent,  prescriptions and dental needs.  


    https://www.ccmcamden.org/ 

    https://www.facebook.com/christiancommunityministries 


  • Community Medical Clinic of Kershaw County

    Ways to Serve: Volunteer, Donate Online, Donate By Mail, Become a Monthly Donor, Become a  Corporate Partner, Employee Matching Gifts, Amazon Wishlist, Leave a Legacy, Donor-Advised  Funds 

    • Volunteers are needed for : Organizing and implementing annual fundraisers, Maintaining landscaping in the Memorial Garden, Help with Administrative Work. 

    Mission: To provide medical care and connect resources to achieve a healthier Kershaw  County. 


    https://www.cmcofkc.org/


    Call CMC of KC
  • Food for the Soul Kershaw County (Homeless Shelter and Feeding the Community)

    Ways to Serve: Prayer, Money, Food (Canned, Prepared, Fresh Produce, Meat), Goods (Cleaning, Hygiene, Kitchen White Goods), Clothes (Gently Used or New as there is room in the  clothes closet), Volunteer (Assist in food preparation and service, greeting guests, making  deliveries, doing clerical work, and more.), Fundraising, Legacy Giving, Corporate Partnerships. 


    Mission: Food for the Soul is a Christ-like ministry providing food and shelter for those in need in  Kershaw County. The vision of Food for the Soul is to provide meals and shelter for those in need  in Kershaw County by: 

    • Providing meals and working in cooperation with others to use our available resources to best  serve the hungry in our community. 
    • Providing extreme weather shelter and additional shelter for those who qualify on a needs  basis 
    • Maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for our guests, volunteers, and staff. 
    • Being good stewards of our resources in furtherance of the mission of Food for the Soul. 
    • Providing additional assistance to encourage and support those who seek to become self sufficient through partnerships and other community agencies. 

    https://foodforthesoulkc.org/ 

    https://www.facebook.com/foodforthesoulkc/ 

  • Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina

    Ways to Serve: Donate : Goods Cars Computers Furniture Money


    Mission: Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina provides access, information,  and resources to help people improve their lives through the power of work. Goodwill Industries  of the Upstate/Midlands South Carolina (GIUMSC) is a locally owned and operated non-profit  within the Goodwill Industries International, Inc. network. Founded in May 1973, GIUMSC has  served the people of SC for 50 years to create generational success for job seekers, families and  communities. Goodwill’s 41 retail stores across 16 counties turn donors’ generosity into new  treasures for shoppers. More than 90 cents of every dollar spent is then invested back into  providing life-changing education and career services at no cost. 



    https://www.goodwillsc.org/about/ 

    https://www.facebook.com/goodwillsc 



  • Habitat for Humanity Kershaw County (and ReStore)

    Ways to Serve: Volunteer on home builds or at the ReStore. Donate to the ReStore, Donate a  vehicle to Cars for Homes, Become a Sponsor - Sponsoring Habitat for Humanity of Kershaw  County gives your company valuable visibility while supporting home projects, special events,  and our ongoing mission. 


    Mission: Habitat for Humanity of Kershaw County is a Christian-based nonprofit dedicated to  building homes, communities, and hope by putting God's love into action. We work to eliminate  substandard housing through new construction, advocacy for fair housing policies, and access  to resources for families in need. Qualified families partner with us by contributing sweat equity  hours and investing personally in the mission. Habitat welcomes volunteers and supporters of all  backgrounds and serves families from all walks of life. 

    The Habitat for Humanity of Kershaw County ReStore is a nonprofit home improvement store and  donation center that sells new, gently used, and vintage furniture, appliances, home décor, and  more. Donations and purchases made through the ReStore help support Habitat’s mission of  building safe, affordable homes and creating stronger communities for families right here in  Kershaw County. 



    https://www.kershawhabitat.org/ 

    https://www.facebook.com/kchabitat/ 



  • Kershaw County Council on Aging

    Ways to Serve: Volunteer for Delivering Meals, Leading Exercise Class, Serving a Meal at one of  our centers, Lead a workshop class, Chaperone a trip or tour, Teach a craft, Be a substitute van  driver. Donate. 


    Mission: The Kershaw County Council on Aging is dedicated to improving the lives of seniors  throughout Kershaw County, South Carolina. We provide essential services, programs, and  activities that promote health, independence, and community connection for older adults. From  nutritious meals and transportation assistance to social events and wellness programs, our goal is  to help seniors live active, fulfilling lives. Whether you’re looking for senior resources, volunteer  opportunities, or ways to support aging with dignity, the Kershaw County Council on Aging is  here to serve as your trusted local partner in senior care and community support. 


    https://kershawcoa.org/ 

  • Kershaw County First Steps

    Ways to Serve: Donate, Volunteer to assist with events and help out with projects at our office,  Sponsor, Advocate on behalf of quality care and education for children. We use our news page  and social media accounts to share action alerts when legislation or budget debates are  happening that affect early childhood services. 


    Mission: Through community collaboration, Kershaw County First Steps will provide access to  resources and support for families, enabling children to enter school ready to learn. We partner with families, community members, and organizations to provide opportunities, develop  solutions, and fund high-quality programs that support the healthy development and school  readiness of children from birth to age five. 



    https://kershawfirststeps.org/ 

    https://www.facebook.com/kcfirststeps 

    Call KC Library
  • United Way of Kershaw County

    Ways to Serve: Volunteer: Packing bags – Mobile Nutrition Center, Distribution Assistance – Mobile Nutrition Center, Day of Caring, Community Garden Projects, Special Events, Donation  Organization, 3rd Friday Giveaways, Campaign Projects and working with Ready Readers.  Donate to United Way 


    Programs:  Mobile Nutrition, Community Gardens, Summer Food Program, Food Share Boxes,  New Day Housing, Young Adult Housing Program, Homeless Outreach, Ready Readers 


    https://uwkc.net/ 

    https://www.facebook.com/KCliveunited/ 


    Call UWKC
  • 2nd Look Charities Boutique

    Ways to Serve: Donate new or gently used clothing or household items. Volunteer at the store. 


    Who we are: We are an independent non-profit retail store in Camden, SC. We accept  donations of gently used items. 2nd Look also partners with various charities to provide vouchers  to individuals in need of  



    https://www.facebook.com/SecondLookCharities29020 



    Call 2nd Look