Coker University is collecting food donations to support Hartsville Interfaith Ministries (HIM) as the organization faces a significant increase in the number of families seeking assistance. The effort, led by Coker’s President Dr. Natalie Harder, calls on the Coker community to support local families and their pets during a challenging time.

Darlington County’s food insecurity rate is about 13 percent, according to the South Carolina Institute of Medicine and Public Health. Among children, that number rises to more than 21 percent, representing roughly 3,200 young people in the area.

At Hartsville Interfaith Ministries, the impact of those numbers is felt every day. Financial Officer Charlene Nelson stated that the nonprofit typically assists 6–9 families per day. Right now, it’s closer to 15–20.

“The need is greater than we’ve seen in years,” Nelson said. “We had a woman come in for help with a bill. When we offered her food, she said she had dried beans and fatback to tide her over and wanted to leave the food for someone else. Thankfully, she accepted it, but that’s the kind of person we see often: proud, hardworking, and always thinking of others.”

To support HIM’s work, Coker will hold its Stuff the Bus food drive on Friday, November 14, from 1 to 3 p.m. The Coker bus will stop at campus buildings to collect donations, which will be sent directly to Hartsville Interfaith Ministries. Donations from the Hartsville community can be dropped off at the Administration Building, located at 213 West Home Ave.

Requested items include:

• Canned vegetables, beans, and soup
• Rice, pasta, and cereal
• Shelf-stable milk
• Peanut butter and jelly
  
  

The drive also includes a partnership with Purrs McBarkin, a local pet supply store that will collect pet food donations for families with animals. Donations of dog or cat food can be dropped off along with other items.

“Many families in our community are struggling to put food on the table,” said Dr. Harder. “Our COBRAS value of Caring means we look out for one another, especially when times are tough. This is one small way we can help make sure our neighbors, and their pets, have what they need.”

Nelson said efforts like this make a real difference.

“Every can of soup, every bag of rice, every box of pet food adds up,” she said. “It’s encouraging to see Coker students, faculty, and staff stepping up to meet this need. We are so thankful.”

For more information or to arrange a donation drop-off, contact Elizabeth Wallace at emwallace@coker.edu.