United Way asks Kershaw County for funding help as transportation program faces possible cuts

KERSHAW COUNTY, S.C. — Donnie Supplee, representing United Way of Kershaw County, asked County Council on May 13 to consider funding to sustain a range of United Way programs — with particular emphasis on transportation services that shuttle residents to dialysis, work and other crucial appointments.

Supplee told council his organization’s packet listed a $100,000 request on the cover, and he clarified a specific transportation reimbursement request of $40,000. He said the county’s prior support had been important: “I would be remiss if I didn't thank y'all for the $175,000 that you appropriated last year, a $140,000 of which was from reserves.”

Supplee described United Way’s scale and services: a reported operating budget that has grown from about $300,000 when he started to roughly $3,000,000 most recently, numerous partner programs and services including a Ready Readers program that served 300 children across nine elementary schools, nine shelters coordinated through New Day and a mobile food distribution program. He said United Way provided transportation for 432 people during February 2024 and recorded about 57,000 miles of rides, with top destinations including dialysis centers, adult education, healthcare and employment sites.

Supplee warned of funding instability caused by federal changes that affected AmeriCorps and other grants: “On April, we were told no more AmeriCorps… 33,000 people, 600 in South Carolina, no longer working,” he said, noting local mentor positions were lost. He described United Way as “a convener” and “a social service agency” that provides “a hand up” to residents in need.

Council members asked clarifying questions about how requested funds would be used and whether fixed or flexible (door‑to‑door) transit models would be most effective in rural Kershaw County. Supplee and council members discussed Santee Wateree RTA and the local transportation provider; Supplee said door‑to‑door service is likely necessary in rural parts of the county and that $40,000 would help reimburse the existing transportation provider, All Star Transit, and sustain rides while the county and RTA explore longer‑term options.

Chairman and staff framed the request within county budget constraints. The chair noted the county had received $3.5 million in new requests and had “only a little over $1,200,000 in new revenue to balance those requests,” signaling that council would consider United Way’s request as part of broader budget deliberations.

No appropriation vote was held at the May 13 meeting; Supplee’s presentation was entered into the record for budget review. Council extended the presenter’s time by five minutes to allow for additional questions and discussion.

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Council members said they appreciated United Way’s service and would weigh the organization’s request during the county’s budget process. No funding decision was made at the meeting.