Bank of Clarendon gives donation to S.C. Autism Society, food pantry

Bank of Clarendon ended 2020 with a donation to a local nonprofit and a food drive to support those in need.

Traditionally, Bank of Clarendon makes a sizeable donation to one charitable organization at the end of each year.  This year, it chose to give to the South Carolina Autism Society, a nonprofit developed to help support individuals and their families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders.

On hand to receive the donation was the S.C. Autism Society’s chairman of the board, Pamela Jenkins, as well as Taneka Long, human resources and executive administrative assistant.

Jenkins commented, “This donation will assist local families and individuals affected by autism by providing them with anything from rides to medical appointments to summer camp opportunities and everything in between.  It is such a wonderful blessing."

Presenting the check on behalf of the bank was J. Barry Ham, president of Bank of Clarendon. 

“Autism impacts so many families in our community," Ham said.  "We are excited to extend a holiday donation to the South Carolina Autism Society.  The work they do is admirable and is beyond measure.  We are humbled and pleased to play a small part in their programs.”

Jenkins said the quality of life funds they receive from the community are used to assist those who have ASD with hardships such as  homelessness, food expenses, utility payments, summer programs, childcare fees and other services they need.

Since the organization's fundraising events were canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, she said donations, such as this one, greatly contribute to their cause to better assist people  with autism.

 "That's why it's important we get donations and sponsors to help so that we can better help the community," Jenkins said. "We are financially helping in the personal lives of individuals with autism and their families."

Another longstanding tradition for BOC is sharing a Christmastime meal with employees and their families.  With COVID-19 restrictions this year, the meal was canceled, but the spirit of giving went on.  Instead of preparing food to eat together, Bank of Clarendon employees collected nonperishable goods to help fill the shelves of the food pantry operated by United Ministries of Clarendon County.

The bank donated approximately 300 food items to be distributed locally to those in need during the holidays and beyond.  Bank of Clarendon Executive Vice President of Human Resources Stacey McGinnis led the BOC team delivering the food.

McGinnis commented, “Our employees embraced the idea of supporting United Ministries and delivered in a big way. We hope that our efforts will make a difference for many in our community this year.”

Bank of Clarendon is the only independent community bank headquartered in the Santee Lynches Region.  It offers a full range of consumer banking products, commercial banking products, mortgage lending products and investment services through five full-service offices in Manning, Santee, Summerton, Wyboo and Sumter.  Established in 1932, Bank of Clarendon has been serving the financial and community needs of local families and businesses for nearly 90 years and currently has $320 million in assets.