Irmo Neighbors Helping Neighbors will host a food drive and community resource event on Sunday, August 30, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Rawls Creek Park, located at 1113 Friarsgate Blvd. in Irmo. The event aims to unite residents and local organizations to support families in need and connect the community with valuable local resources.
The initiative will collect shelf-stable food, kid- and family-friendly meals and snacks, and personal care items. These donations are intended to benefit Sharing God’s Love and other local efforts dedicated to assisting neighbors. Organizers emphasize a core belief that community strength grows when neighbors support each other.
Julie Zimmerman, an organizer for the event, draws inspiration from her late grandfather, Julian Haselden, and Dolly Parton. Zimmerman noted that Parton’s work, including the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, highlights the impact of generosity, food, literacy, and kindness in strengthening communities. She also recalled her grandfather’s example of growing a garden and sharing its bounty with his community, demonstrating the importance of ensuring others had food.
In June, Zimmerman was recognized with the Heart of Irmo Award for her service and commitment to the Irmo community. She expressed gratitude for being part of a community where people support one another and aims to build upon that spirit of service through events like this.
The event will feature a community resource table where local organizations will provide information on mental health, domestic violence advocacy, voting and civic engagement, the arts, and other community services. Confirmed participants include the Greater Irmo Art Guild, Better Ballot SC, and Hush No More. Families are encouraged to attend, with children able to enjoy coloring pages, activities, snacks, and a community art station.
Requested donations include canned fruits, soup, vegetables, tea, juice, Gatorade, powdered or shelf-stable milk, cereal, breakfast items, pasta, and pasta sauce. Community organizations, churches, civic groups, and individuals are invited to participate, volunteer, or set up a table. For more information, Julie Zimmerman can be contacted at [email protected] or 803-529-1484.
