Helping Out for May 12, 2021

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Helping Out highlights some of the many charitable events and activities going on in the Charleston area. Submit your news using our online form.

The J M Smith Foundation has awarded a $12,500 grant to support the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired South Carolina’s new low-vision occupational therapy program.

Through the grant, ABVI will be able to provide comprehensive skills training for adults who are blind, visually impaired or have a progressive eye condition in Berkeley, Charleston or Dorchester County to help them restore functionality and attain independence through skills training, education and support services.

Low-vision occupational therapy is a new addition to the services ABVI provides within its main Own Your Life program. Through low-vision occupational therapy, ABVI helps clients make the most of any remaining vision, reduces the impact of their disability by promoting independence and helps them participate in meaningful activities.

Lowcountry Land Trust is hosting a May Giving Challenge with the goal of raising $150,000. The event will celebrate its 35th anniversary, as well as an approaching milestone of preserving 500 properties encompassing 150,000 total acres.

The challenge will begin Monday and end May 23. As fundraising benchmarks are reached throughout the week, $45,000 in combined challenge funds from the Pathfinder Foundation, Silent Maid and Painted Bunting Fund will be unlocked.

Donors can deepen their impact by starting a fundraising team.

The Charleston Parks Conservancy is hosting a Picnic in the Park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 22 on the lawn of the Rose Pavilion at Hampton Park.

Guests can purchase one of two picnic basket options. The Magnolia basket is $250 and includes pimento cheese, chicken salad, croissants, quinoa salad and sea salt kettle chips. The Harvest Catering basket is $125 and includes shrimp remoulade with crostini, fried chicken, potato salad and banana pudding. Vegetarian options are available.

Each basket includes a picnic blanket, Frisbee, wine koozie and bottle opener. Baskets can be picked up between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to enjoy at the park or at home.