To escape domestic violence in their home, 7-year-old Robert and 8-year-old Mercedes moved in with their grandmother. And after witnessing his best friend accidentally shoot and kill himself, Robert was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress syndrome. The HALOS summer camp program provided the funds for Robert and Mercedes to have a safe, stable environment during summer break. And our Kinship Care program provides the support their grandmother needs to help her raise two young children.

To improve the lives of children like Robert and Mercedes, HALOS needs your help. After all, we are only as strong as the individuals and groups who join us in our mission to support the abused and neglected children of Charleston County.

At HALOS, anyone can make a difference in the lives of these children; all it takes is the willingness to help. And there are a variety of ways for you to directly influence the lives of children in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties:

• Send a child to summer camp with a monetary donation!  In 2011, over 150 children spent a safe, fun filled summer while their caregivers were able to continue to work.
• Donate school supplies or a uniform for the HALOS Back to School Program.  Last year, over 700 children received the required essentials to start school prepared to learn and succeed.
• Make a child's holiday wishes come true!  Buy a gift for an abused or neglected child or adopt a family in need.  Over 1,850 children received gifts last year and over 20 families were adopted.
• Celebrate a child's birthday!  Donate a $20 gift card for a foster child's birthday.  Many children have never had their birthdays acknowledged or celebrated.
• Meet a one time, specific need for a child!  Gently used beds, cribs and bunk beds are always needed.  HALOS maintains "Resource Closets" at Department of Social Services offices in Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester Counties with items like overnight clothing, toiletries, diapers, and baby items to meet children's emergency needs.
• Provide a meal or childcare for grandparents and children attending monthly support group meetings!  HALOS provides support group meetings for caregivers who are raising their relatives' children in order to avoid foster care.  You can  provide a quick and easy meal or childcare. This is your chance to work directly with children and families! Volunteer orientation and training is required.  “Volunteer Orientations” will be held each month for returning and new volunteers.  Each childcare volunteer will be asked to fill out a volunteer application, sign a volunteer commitment form and have a SLED check done prior to volunteering at support group as a childcare provider. Contact Andrea Thames, HALOS Volunteer Coordinator, at andrea@charlestonhalos.org for more information.  Thank you for your support!

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