Bishopville food pantry in critical need of volunteers

A Lee County food pantry with only a few workers is in dire need of volunteers and is reaching out to the community for help.

CareSouth Carolina is hoping to reach individuals who are willing to make a difference by addressing food insecurity in the Lee County area, according to a news release. The CSC Resource Center and Food Pantry needs volunteers to help with different tasks including bagging food, sorting donations, loading food for clients and assisting with client intakes.

"Whether you can spare half a day, an entire day or commit to volunteering daily, your contribution will play a vital role in supporting our community," the news release stated.

CareSouth Carolina is a private, nonprofit community health center delivering health and life services in the Pee Dee region of South Carolina. CareSouth Carolina operates centers in Bennettsville, Bishopville, Cheraw, Chesterfield, Dillon, Hartsville, Lake View, Latta, McColl and Society Hill, according to the release. It also provides family practice, internal medicine, pediatrics, women's services, OB/GYN, HIV/AIDS primary care, dental, chiropractic services, pharmacy, geriatrics, social services, clinical counseling, laboratory, 4D ultrasound, X-ray, migrant services and veterans choice providers.

The pantry is operating with only three employees, two of which are available on a single designated day. The overwhelming volume of clients that the pantry has served has made it increasingly challenging for the small team to keep up with demand. By people offering their time and effort, they can directly affect the lives of those facing food insecurity in the community.

"Not having something to eat the whole day just breaks my heart," said CareSouth Carolina Community Health Educator Christy Beasley. "Nobody. Nobody should have to go without eating."

According to the news release, the CSC Resource Center and Food Pantry has become highly successful and now receives USDA foods. This partnership allows the pantry to make a bigger difference in the lives of people throughout the community.

Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Tameeka Lesane at (803) 229-5843 to receive an application form.

The pantry operates from Tuesday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a lunch break from noon to 1 p.m. Volunteers are also welcome to come on Mondays for prepping activities such as sorting foods and bagging items. The pantry is at 106 Hospital Square in Bishopville, formerly known as Dr. Leon E. Hunt's medical office.

"We invite you to become the helping hand that our community needs," Beasley said.