Junior council, Kiwanis and local nonprofits to hold April chili cook-off to aid people experiencing homelessness

Hardeeville's junior council approved plans to hold a chili cook-off on April 15 to prepare meals and distribute hygiene packs to people experiencing homelessness, the council said at its meeting.

The council voted to host the event at the Dollar General on White Hardy Boulevard, a location the council approved by voice vote recorded in the transcript as three affirmative responses. The council set an April 1 deadline for donation drop-offs at local schools and city hall so volunteers can assemble bags in time for the event.

"The mission of the club is to improve the world, one child, one community at a time," Ed Murray, vice president of the Kiwanis Club in Hardeeville, told the council as the Kiwanis offered volunteer help to solicit food, clothing and hygiene items and to assist with day-of operations.

Dr. Panchetta Young of Agape Family Life Center said her nonprofit could contribute "fit packs" — preassembled hygiene kits with blankets, sanitary wipes and socks — and help with packing and outreach. "We provide resources to prevent further homelessness and also support those who are currently homeless," she said.

Heather, program director for the Low Country Continuum of Care, told the council that regional providers including 180 Place could supply extra clothing and that seven outreach specialists could attend the event to complete housing intakes and, if shelter slots are available, transport people to the Charleston shelter. "We can probably donate some of those things. . . and day of we have seven outreach specialists who can come and do housing intakes," she said.

Council members reviewed event flyers and agreed to place donation boxes at the high school and city hall and to publicize collection points in local neighborhoods. Items requested include winter coats, shoes and boots, gloves, hats, scarves, hygiene products, pocket flashlights and umbrellas.

On the record, a motion to locate the distribution at Dollar General carried; the transcript records the outcome as in favor of Dollar General but does not clearly identify the motion maker or the full roster of votes. The council discussed Mercy Mission as an alternative but selected Dollar General to host the April 15 distribution at 5:00 p.m.

The council also discussed producing a short promotional video for social media but decided to defer final decisions until the next meeting so more members can participate.

Next steps recorded at the meeting: place donation drop boxes at designated schools and city hall, collect donated items by April 1, coordinate with Kiwanis and Agape for packing and day-of volunteers, and confirm outreach staff availability from the Low Country Continuum of Care.