SC Dems Launch Community Service Initiative

On Saturday, the South Carolina Democratic Party will gather at its new headquarters on 915 Lady Street in Columbia to launch a new community-service initiative called “SC Democrats Care.”

The initiative was created by newly-elected Chairman Jaime Harrison to allow Democrats to demonstrate Party principles through actions.

Slated to attend are Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-2), 2014 Gubernatorial Candidate Vincent Sheheen and the two statewide co-chairs of SC Democrats Care for the launch, Allen Bailey and Cherie Mabrey.

“It is important that we not only talk about politics, but also demonstrate our beliefs through our deeds,” said Chairman Harrison. “As Democrats, we believe in coming together to help people and move our state forward. SC Democrats Care is just another way that we will embrace and act on our ideals, and work to improve our state beginning in our local communities.”

According to a press release, the first SC Democrats Care initiative will be a school supplies drive in the month of August. Local Democratic groups will collect supplies for teachers and students in their communities as part of the back to school efforts. Event attendees are being encouraged to bring school supplies and new clothing to donate. Information about drop-off sites and other events throughout the state will be available next week at www.scdp.org/sc-dems-care.

The need for school supplies is one that has personal resonance for Harrison.

“As a child growing up in Orangeburg, I saw how hard my mom and grandparents had to work to provide me with supplies and clothing for the new school year,” Chairman Harrison said in a statement. “There will be many families faced with a similar struggle this year, but the Democratic Party is committed to doing its part in helping these families.”

The event will also be the first event at the SCDP new headquarters in Columbia. Tickets are required, but are free for entry or $10 for entry with lunch. Those wishing to attend can register online at http://scdemsofficeopening.eventbrite.com/. Tickets will be available at the door, free for entry or $15 with lunch. Festivities get underway at 11:30 a.m.