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June 2017
Kiawah Cares Names Lisa DiGeronimo 2017 Volunteer of the Year
Reading Partners, Lunch Buddies and Angel Oak Elementary
through Kiawah Cares.
"I was naturally attracted to the school programs because of
my background and love for children,” said Lisa. “I knew as
a teacher how important and valuable volunteers are in our
schools. I love seeing my students progress and be successful
readers but I also just enjoy listening to them, hearing about
their day or helping with a problem and having them know
that I am someone that they can depend on."
Reading Partners Angel Oak Elementary Site Coordinator Kelly
Shearon spoke incredibly highly of Lisa and her commitment
to volunteerism.
Kiawah Cares (KC) benefits from so many committed
volunteers, all property owners who are dedicated to improving
the circumstances of our island neighbors.
Each year, KC recognizes a volunteer who has contributed
greatly to the community, and for 2017 that h distinction goes
to Lisa DiGeronimo.
A former teacher, Lisa's volunteerism illustrates her lifelong
commitment to education. Since 2013, Lisa has worked with
“I had the pleasure of working with Lisa this year and am not
the least bit surprised that she was chosen as Volunteer of the
Year,” said Kelly. “Of the 80 volunteers that I have coordinated
this year, she was one of the most outstanding, dedicated and
kind-hearted people to walk through the doors of Angel Oak.”
In honor of Lisa's commitment, KC will make a donation in
her name to Angel Oak Elementary School.
There's Still Time to Help and Inspire with Kiawah Giving Month!
Though Kiawah Giving Month took place in May, there's still
time to help repair community bonds and inspire the Sea Islands.
Many residents of Johns and Wadmalaw islands find themselves
struggling with the burdens of poverty, set alongside the
unprecedented growth of these rural communities. For the
residents who are left behind, including children striving to
learn despite a variety of socio-economic challenges and seniors
unable to contend with their now substandard housing, the
situation can seem hopeless.
This year, the Kiawah Cares Foundation is working to raise
$35,000 to support Communities In Schools (CIS) and
Community Home Improvement Program (CHIP Ministry)
as they help improve the circumstances of many of these
Sea Islanders. These two programs cut to the root of the
poverty cycle, providing student advocates for the future and
compassionate help for the present.
DOUBLE YOUR DONATION! The Kiawah Cares
Foundation will match funds dollar-for-dollar up to $20,000,
helping us get to our goal of stopping the poverty cycle that
much faster. Any amount raised over the goal amount will be
contributed to programs supporting Sea Island children.
Visit kiawahcares.org to learn more about our partners or click
on the Make a Gift button at the top right of the page to give
now and support the Sea Islands!