You are likely familiar with LSC’s mission statement, “Empowered by Christ, we walk together with all we serve.” What you may not realize is how many generous supporters walk alongside us in fulfilling that mission: over 2,400 individual contributors in 2024! Every gift helps LSC ensure abundant living for the communities we serve.
Each year, LSC recognizes individuals, families, and organizations in North and South Carolina that have demonstrated extraordinary financial commitment and whole-hearted support for our work. These are our Philanthropists of the Year.
It takes a village to ensure newly arrived refugees and other legal immigrants feel warmly embraced. That village includes nonprofits, faith communities, individual volunteers, and businesses.
In 2024, Home Depot Store #1106 of Lexington, South Carolina, and Home Depot Exteriors played a key role in LSC’s Work of Welcome: they helped renovate the New Americans Program’s Columbia Welcome House through in-kind donations, financial support, and hands-on labor.
Ashley Layton and Flossie Knight of Home Depot Store #1106 worked closely with LSC Business Developer Rachael Fulmer and Jason Hill, director of the home repair service ministry Second Saturday, to secure the materials needed for the renovation.
Home Depot not only donated the necessary supplies; they also organized employees and families to lend a hand at LSC’s onsite workday in May. In total, over 60 volunteers participated.
Bob Avino and John Williams of Home Depot Exteriors also worked with Fulmer and LSC Columbia Resettlement Director Seth Hershberger to replace all the original 1950s-era windows, making the home more secure and energy efficient. The windows and installation labor were made possible by a grant from Home Depot.
Representatives from Home Depot accepted the South Carolina Philanthropist of the Year Award at LSC’s Columbia Shepherd Society Luncheon on November 4, 2024.
“Being named Philanthropist of the Year is a testament to our unwavering commitment to not just fixing homes and community centers through Team Depot, but also strengthening our communities,” said Layton and Knight. “This honor reflects the passion and dedication of our team, who work tirelessly to make a positive impact – creating spaces where people thrive and building a legacy of support and service that extends far beyond the aisles of our store.”