Kiawah Island Digest February 2014 | Page 7

7 February 2014 Security Main gate 843-768-5566 Toll Free 866-596-7184 (911 in emergencies) Commercial pass office 843-768-8240 On The Web KICA.US - KICA is on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Visit the KICA website for more information. Digest Contributors Frances Boyd - Member Volunteer Virginia Chapel - Member Volunteer Bill Hindman - Member Volunteer Shauneen Hutchinson - Member Volunteer Mary Beth McAnaney - Member Volunteer Sue Schaffer - Feature reporter Deb Stewart - Memb er Volunteer Russ Warren - Member Volunteer Staff Production Team Doug Reynolds - Communications Mgr/Editor Leah Jerden - Communications Assistant Tammy McAdory - Executive Director Digest Mission Statement The association is committed to accurately and effectively reporting news affecting it, and its members, board, and volunteers, and to presenting discussions of significant issues in a balanced and constructive manner. Statement of Editorial Policy The association, through its Digest reporters, shall endeavor to report objectively and wholly the significant island news relating to the association and its members. The association welcomes members’ suggestions on issues they deem significant for publication or discussion, and will publish editorials, identified as such, where there is a need to clarify, expand, or express views and opinions on relevant issues. To submit an editorial, write to Digest care of Doug Reynolds or email to [email protected]. OLM Offers Vital Services to the Sea Islands Our Lady of Mercy (OLM) Community Outreach, a 501 (c)(3) serving Johns, James and Wadmalaw islands, has been a driving force in the community since their inception in 1989. As one of Kiawah Cares' (KC) original partners, they also helped connect KC with the Sea Islands. At the January meeting of the KICA Board of Directors, OLM spoke to property owners and board members, discussing their services to the Sea Islands and their partnership with KC. Though direct community involvement is at OLM's roots, they offer a variety of services for the Sea Islands that seek to address the undercurrents of poverty and foster the capacity of area residents to improve the quality of their lives and the life of the community. Some services include: • Food, clothing, financial support and household items to people in need. • OB/GYN care for uninsured women. • Dental care for men, women and children without dental insurance. • Weekly Life Skills classes for men and women to learn about budgeting, parenting, personal health, current events and a host of other topics. • Emergency and health services, transportation, English as a Second Language courses, and public advocacy for seasonal farm workers. • After school homework assistance and three-week summer enrichment programs for school-aged children. • "Quilting Lives," a program in which women enjoy fellowship together while creating quilts, and thereby preserve the African-American cultural heritage of traditional quilt making. OLM is always in need of help from the community. Volunteers are needed for most of the services above, as well as many others ranging from organizational projects such as distributing food from the food pantry or directing food drives, to hands-on projects such as cleaning yards and painting houses, to administrative needs such as raising funds and gathering donations. To inquire about these, or other community outreach opportunities, or for more information, contact KC at [email protected] or 843-768-9194. Step Up to the Challenege with Kiawah Cares With the new year upon us, Kiawah Cares (KC) has issued a challenge to property owners to pledge a few hours of time this year giving back to the community. KC asks that you consider participating in one program in 2014. You'll be amazed at the fulfillment you'll experience by giving back and connecting with this amazing community. Upcoming program opportunities include: • • • Be an Elementary School Student's Lunch Buddy - Date: Spring 2014 semester, Time Commitment: 1 hour weekly (flexible), Partner: Angel Oak Elementary School. Tutor a Middle School Student - Date: Spring 2014 semester, Time Commitment: 3 hours weekly (flexible), Partner: Haut Gap Middle School. Donate to the BFF Fund - Date: Anytime, Partner: BFF Fund • • • "Kiawah Cares makes it so easy to volunteer and make a difference. It was really a great experience." - Illene Olanoff, Kiawah Cares Program Participant and KICA Member Donate Household Goods and Landscaping Equipment Date: Anytime, Partner: Rockville Presbyterian Church Communities In Schools Volunteer Orientation - Dates: Feb. 4, 13 and 25, Time Commitment: 2 hours, Partner: Communities In Schools. Attend the De Gullah Roots Festival - Date: Feb. 22, Time: 1-5 p.m., Partner: John's Island Regional Library. If you would like to participate with any of the programs above, or would just like more information on KC, contact [email protected] or 843-768-9194. You can also view upcoming programs on the KC website at kiawahcares.org or by following KC on Facebook. KICA Annual Meeting Packets in the Mail Watch your mail for your Annual Meeting packet. These packets include ballots, information on online voting, board candidate bios and KICA’s Year In Review. For questions regarding the Annual Meeting materials, contact KICA at 843-768-9194 or [email protected]. Save Time and Vote Online Instructions for online voting, including your personal username and password, can be found in your annual meeting packet. To vote, visit www.kica.us/ voteonline2014. As long as your online vote is submitted by the March 3, 5 p.m. deadline, you are still eligible for the $500 assessment refund drawing.