Are people going hungry in Pickens County? Based on requests for United Way funding, calls from neighbors in need, and antidotal stories about hungry children, we would conclude, yes, hunger or “food insecurity” is an important issue in Pickens County.

How do we really know?

In July 2018, Clemson University named Dr. Leslie Hossfeld as Dean of the College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences. Her field of expertise? Food insecurity! As a new resident of the upstate, Dr. Hossfeld also wanted to understand the needs of her community.

Have you ever felt lonely? Unmotivated? Unappreciated? If you answered yes to any of these questions, I have the opportunity for YOU! Be a Reading Buddy at Camp iRock this summer!

A Reading Buddy is a volunteer who spends about 30 minutes, twice a week reading with a Camp iRock camper. You need to be patient, kind, and encouraging. In return, you will soar to rock star status in the eyes of a child. The love and adoration you will receive is immeasurable. Take it from me, you need this experience in your life.

Lately, I have been struck by the capacity of our community to care for each other. With all the crappy news out there, these tender glimpses into humanity are important to keep me going. This article reads just like a Camp iRock “chapter book.” Reading a “chapter book” is THE badge of honor for a kid who struggles with reading!

Once upon a time there was a wonderful community: It was called Pickens County.

Chapter One — The Walk

By Kasie Strickland, The Sentinel-Progress

March 28, 2018

PICKENS COUNTY — Julie Capaldi, president of the United Way of Pickens County, received the Distinguished Service Award from Manufacturers Caring for Pickens County (MCPC) for her work with Camp iRock, a summer reading camp to support struggling readers in Pickens County.

MCPC presented the award at the School District of Pickens County (SDPC) board of trustees meeting on March 26.

“It is grant season!” said Traci Boyles, Director of Early Childhood and Elementary Education for the School District of Pickens County. This statement accompanied the “Request for Proposal” link to one of our major funding sources for Camp iRock.

She’s wasn’t kidding.

In just three weeks, we had grant deadlines for three of our largest funders. It’s not like you can write one proposal and use it for all the others either. Each funder has unique objectives and results they want us to accomplish with their money.

A lot of people like to complain about paying taxes but not me. I understand that the roads I drive on, the EMS and other services I rely on to keep me safe, and public education that I care about so much, is funded, in part, by my taxes and I am okay with it.

I am also very fortunate that my better half is a trained tax preparer. Except for having to divulge how much money “I give away” and addressing my lack of personal paper management, it’s a pretty good deal for me.

Camp iRock was named a finalist for the 2017 Dick and Tunky Riley WhatWorksSC Award for Excellence.

PICKENS COUNTY- April 27, 2017

CLEMSON- March 23, 2017

We are so proud of the 16 Clemson University business students who are volunteering for the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program this year. Rick Uhlmann wrote a wonderful story on these students for the Clemson University Newsstand. You can read the story here.

EASLEY- On March 9, the Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce presented its Annual Small Business Awards at Tri-County Technical College-Easley Campus. Sponsored by Sam’s Club of Easley, several businesses and individuals were honored for their leadership and community service.