Making a Difference

Summerville is more than historic places, excellent restaurants and unique shops. Certainly, that helps quite a bit and one of the reasons I moved here. Summerville is more than that though, it's about the people here. Whether they are born and raised lowcountry or transplants like myself, something about this place makes people friendlier, more generous and considerate.

Volunteering is something I had wanted to get involved in up north, but something held me back. It wasn't just that I was working full time either, there was a lack of spirit in the area we lived in. It's hard to put your finger on. The change in atmosphere here was what I needed to fully commit to putting my skills and time to use at Dorchester Habitat for Humanity.

After speaking with Terry Epps the Volunteer Coordinator at DHH about what I could offer, I was welcomed with open arms and immediately asked to join the Special Events and Public Relations Committees. Our objective is to plan, advertise and execute fundraising events to help realize the dream of home ownership for one deserving family at a time.

My first event was the Fall Festival that took place October 16th, at the Flowertown Garden Center. DHH was lucky enough when owner Paul Moore and employee Charlene Sharkey contacted them with the idea for this event. Flowertown Garden Center welcomed families for the day to check out the plants and garden accents but also had a number of activities for kids to enjoy, while the proceeds went to DHH. The big hit was the Batman bounce house, Flowertown provided. Watching kids run and hurriedly take off their shoes to hop in always brings a smile to my face and a little ache for my own childhood.  Children also had fun at the face painting, and pumpkin painting tables in addition to the hot dogs and baked goods DHH provided. In total Flowertown Garden helped us raise $400 which will go towards the current house being built.
 
The Garden Center has a very unique vibe to it's atmosphere.  The plants are set up in meandering paths, with pergolas overhead, lovely garden benches and statuary tucked in, perhaps next to a water feature.  It's more like walking through someone's backyard garden, so different than the utilitarian aisles of the big box stores.  I was definitely tempted and yearned for my own yard to plan and create.  Several DHH members left with beautiful hanging pots of mums and hay bales for fall decor. 

It is so satisfying to see efforts come to fruition with a terrific bunch of warm-hearted people. The spirit of giving is alive and well in Summerville.  I feel it all the time and can now say I'm a part of it.