In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the people of Lowcountry Community Church (LCC) came together to provide relief to local residents. Over the course of several days, more than 600 people were served hot meals in Bluffton, Beaufort, and Ridgeland, with over 200 families receiving groceries, including non-perishable foods and fresh fruit. This effort came as part of the launch of LCC's new community outreach ministry, the Lowcountry Food Pantry.

The church’s response was made possible by the generous donation of over 7,000 pounds of food from its members and the efforts of 200 volunteers who worked across three events. In addition to distributing food, volunteers helped with debris cleanup in several hard-hit neighborhoods.

“When we planned the Lowcountry Food Pantry’s first distribution in Bluffton several months ago, we had no idea what was to come just shortly after, and the unique opportunity that would be in store to serve our community,” said Will Hopson, LCC’s Outreach Pastor. “It was incredible to see our church respond to the Lowcountry Food Pantry by donating so much food. Our people always jump on board to meet the needs of our community and this was no exception,” Hopson said. 

At LCC’s distribution in Bluffton, 25 families received groceries. LCC partnered with Simply Carolina in Ridgeland to serve 300 hot meals to individuals and distribute groceries to 75 families. They then partnered with Grayco in Beaufort to serve another 300 hot meals and distribute groceries to over 140 families.

"We want to serve individuals in tough times," Hopson said. "Not only do we aim to meet physical needs, but we also strive to point people closer to Jesus. This partnership with organizations like Simply Carolina and Grayco, who offered their parking lots for food distribution, has truly showcased the power of community."

Following the Lowcountry Food Pantry distributions, the people of LCC also came together to help with debris cleanup, roof repairs, and other projects as needed by those impacted by the Hurricane. Additionally, teams from LCC are traveling to Western North Carolina in the coming weeks to work with Samaritan’s Purse and their relief efforts.

Hopson said, “I just can’t be prouder of the people of LCC. This is truly what the church should be about.”

The Lowcountry Food Pantry is now up and running, and community members can get involved by donating non-perishable items to Lowcountry Community Church on Sundays during services. A list of needed items is available at lowcountryfoodpantry.com.

LowCountry Community Church (LCC), located in Bluffton, South Carolina, was founded in 1994 as “a church without walls” and has become known for reaching out to the community through shoe donations, community projects, and helping community partners like the Boys & Girls Club, Bluffton Self Help, Samaritan's Purse, and Allendale Prison. Wherever you come from, LCC is a place where you can find a community to call home.