Calhoun County Cares
Year established: 2004
Operator names: Thrift Store Manager – Robin Phillips
Number of employees: We are an all volunteer organization
Physical Location: 304 Agnes St. St. Matthews, SC, 29135
Mailing address: PO Box 417, St. Matthews, SC, 29135
Products and Services:
Our volunteers operate a thrift store, which has all kinds of items that are donated by the public. We have men’s, women’s and children’s clothing as well as, toys, housewares, furniture, pictures, linens, holiday gifts and books.
Why did you decide to join this organization?
We wanted to provide resources to assist Calhoun County residents, community organizations and the department of Social Services through operation of the thrift store. I am pleased to have the support of the community by providing the donations we receive.
What accomplishments are you most proud of?
The proceeds from the store allow us to help people when they need us most. In the 2019 fiscal year, Calhoun County Cares gave back over $61,000 to Calhoun County Residents. We assist with utility payments, help with prescription drug costs, provide foster children with meals and other things they might need through DSS, provide help for fire victims, and helped support a variety of summer camp programs. We also provide a community Thanksgiving feast each year, award scholarships to high school students entering college or trade schools, and have an Angel tree at Christmas, which provides gifts for folks who might not otherwise have any. There are so many ways this organization makes our community better.
What sets you apart from other organizations that people might support?
Calhoun County Cares is fully operated by volunteers, and it gives everything back to the residents of the community.
Do you have other info you want to share?
Calhoun County Cares is not a part of Calhoun County government; rather it is a 501(c)(3) organization. It is solely funded by sales of donated items and financial donations that we receive. We operate as a board consisting currently of 15 members. Officers are: Chairman Ken Westbury, Vice-Chairman Charles Coleman, Secretary Carolyn Snider, and Treasurer Reta Westbury.
The store is open from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. Items can be dropped off at the store, but they can also be dropped off anytime in the enclosed space around the corner from the store entrance at the John Ford Community Center.
And last but not least, volunteers are always needed and welcome! We can’t do what we do without help. We can be reached at (803) 874-4981.
