Zachary James Spargur held a book drive for his Star Project for Boy Scout Troop 9212. He collected 1,112 wonderful books for the children LOR serves. Thank you, Zachary!!

Matthew Saenz , 4, and his brother Andrew, 2, (not pictured) had a combined birthday party and collected items for LOR instead of receiving presents. They brought in bags of toiletries, stuffed animals and clothing for the clothing closet. Thank you, boys and HAPPY BIRTHDAY from Lowcountry Orphan Relief!

Lowcountry Orphan Relief, represented by Lynn Young (third from left), along with Wynwood Farms, Dee Norton Children’s Center and Parents Anonymous received both praises and a check from the Isle of Palms Exchange Club.  They raised money by putting on the IOP Run/Walk for the Child. The people of the Exchange Club were delightful and we had wonderful entertainment and good home cookin’.  Many thanks to the Isle of Palms Exchange Club for all it does for children and child abuse!

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Charleston 1st Ward, sought a community resource in need of substantial refurbishing- one especially impacted by the enduring recession. Lowcountry Orphan Relief, Inc. fit the bill.

Ninety volunteers from the LDS Church, including 18 children, stepped in to meet these needs. They scrapped peeling paint, wielded paint brushes, replaced rotted roofing, removed concrete-embedded cloth line posts, raked leaves and debris, pruned trees and bushes , surrounded the building and trees with ground cover and planted flowers . A 120×35 foot parking area was constructed from 42 tons of gravel and railroad ties. They also completed an extensive clothing drive, and the young women filled orders for delivery Monday morning. The effort was part of a Day of Service program conducted by the LDS Church in the Southeastern States that involves thousands of volunteers in a variety of community service projects.

Founder, Lynn Young, expressed amazement at the scope and impact of the volunteer effort. “I am overwhelmed by the effort and goodness of these volunteers. They have made a lasting contribution to the welfare of the many children in need in our community.”

Volunteers from the LDS Church

Parking lot installed out front of building

On March 19, 2010, Lowcountry Orphan Relief, Inc. (LOR) dedicated its building in memory of Valerie Vincent,  sister of volunteer Elise Furer. Through Valerie’s foundation, a large donation was made so that LOR could purchase their building from the Noisette Company. The building will now be known as the Valerie Vincent Children’s Closet. The above picture shows the unveiling of the plaque with Valerie’s children Ted, Ann and Bill Vincent, Shelley Furer, niece, Elise and Bob Furer, and LOR Founder, Lynn Young.

On a cold, rainy Wednesday, March 17, LOR was the featured non-profit at the Charleston Battery soccer double-header. We were presented checks from Blackbaud, Inc. and Heritage Trust. L to R: Founder of LOR Lynn Young, Volunteer Judi Morningstar, Sally Ehrenfried of Blackbaud, Susie Lee Community Relations liaison of LOR, Andrew Bell- President of Charleston Battery, and three employees from Heritage Trust.

The Coosaw Creek Women’s Club has been a longtime supporter of LOR. Recently they presented a check to Founder, Lynn Young, and to My Sister’s House from proceeds from various fundraisers they hosted in 2009. Left to Right: Debbie Adrian, Past President of the Coosaw Creek Women’s Club; the Director of My Sister’s House; Lynn Young; and Ellie Sheehan, current President.

Cross Allison, who turned six on February 16, 2010, had a birthday party and invited his friends to bring a book instead of presents for him, for the children LOR serves. He collected 24 books and delivered them to the children’s closet on March 3. Thank you, Cross,for having such a generous spirit!

Founder Lynn Young and Devann Yata CEO of “Share Um Shoes,” a local non-profit that collects slightly used shoes and redistributes them throughout the Lowcountry and abroad.  Devann recently brought 171 pairs of shoes for the children whom LOR serves!