Irmo group plans food and supply drive, resource fair

Irmo Neighbors Helping Neighbors will host a food drive and community resource event from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30 at Rawls Creek Park in Irmo.

Organizers say the event is about bringing neighbors, local organizations and community members together to support families in need and connect residents with valuable local resources.

The event will collect shelf-stable food, kid- and family-friendly meals and snacks, along with personal care items. Donations will benefit Sharing God’s Love and other local efforts helping to feed and support neighbors in need.

At the heart of the event is a simple belief: when neighbors help neighbors, everyone is stronger.

That belief is personal for organizer Julie Zimmerman, who draws inspiration from both her late grandfather, Julian Haselden, and Dolly Parton, whose work has demonstrated the power of generosity, food, literacy and kindness to strengthen communities.

“Dolly Parton has always reminded us that kindness and spreading joy through giving are at the heart of community,” said Zimmerman. “Her work, including the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, has shown how something as simple as giving a child a book can create opportunity and bring joy. Her example inspires me to think about the many ways we can show up for one another.”

Zimmerman said she also learned the importance of helping others from her grandfather, Julian Haselden.

“My granddaddy taught me that helping your neighbor isn't just something you talk about, it’s something you do,” Zimmerman said. “He grew a garden and shared what he grew with people in his community. He showed love and kindness by making sure others had food on their table. Some of my earliest lessons about what it means to care for your neighbors came from watching him.”

In June, Zimmerman received the Heart of Irmo Award in recognition of her service and commitment to the Irmo community.

“Receiving the Heart of Irmo Award was incredibly meaningful to me because Irmo is home,” Zimmerman said. “I’m grateful to be part of a community where people look out for one another, and I want to keep building on that spirit of service.”

“This event is really a continuation of the lessons my Granddaddy taught me,” Zimmerman continued. “I draw inspiration from his quiet acts of kindness and from Dolly Parton’s incredible example of using generosity to spread joy and create opportunity. Both remind us that we don't have to do something extraordinary to make a difference. Sometimes, we simply need to look around, see what our neighbor needs, and help.”

Local organizations will participate in a community resource table, providing information and opportunities to connect with organizations working in areas including mental health, domestic violence advocacy, voting and civic engagement, the arts and other community services. Confirmed participating organizations include the Greater Irmo Art Guild,  Better Ballot SC and Hush No More.

Families are encouraged to attend. Children can enjoy coloring pages, activities, snacks and a community art station while parents and caregivers connect with neighbors and local organizations.

“We can do more when we do it together,” Zimmerman said. This event is about feeding our neighbors, but it also reminds people that they are not alone and that there are people in this community who care.”

Community members are encouraged to bring donations and invite a friend or neighbor. Volunteers are also welcome.

Requested donations include:

- Shelf-stable food

 - Canned fruits, soup and vegetables

- Kid- and family-friendly meals and snacks

-Tea, juice, Gatorade, powdered or shelf-stable milk

- Cereal and breakfast items

 - Pasta and pasta sauce

- Personal care items

Donations will benefit Sharing God’s Love and other local efforts helping feed neighbors in need.

Community organizations, churches, civic groups and individuals are invited to participate. Organizations interested in setting up a table or tent, volunteering or providing information about community resources are encouraged to reach out.

For more information or to participate, contact Julie Zimmerman at julie.zimmermansc@gmail.com or 803-529-1484.