Community invited to help neighbors this season and strengthen outreach services in 2027 through four giving initiatives.

CHARLESTON, S.C. (Nov. 4, 2026) — East Cooper Community Outreach (ECCO) invites the community to help meet the growing needs of local individuals and families through its 2026 holiday giving campaign, “Meeting the Need for More.” Running from Nov. 2 through Dec. 31, the campaign brings together four giving initiatives that offer donors, volunteers and community partners meaningful ways to support their neighbors throughout the holiday season and beyond.

The campaign comes as ECCO continues to experience increased demand for its programs and services. During the 2025-26 fiscal year, the organization served 3,224 individuals, a 19% increase from the previous year. The number of first-time families seeking assistance also increased by 59%, highlighting the growing need for accessible resources and community support.

“Truly meeting the needs of our community takes a community,” said Patricia S. Walker, interim executive director of East Cooper Community Outreach. “Through Meeting the Need for More, we’re inviting our neighbors to come together to make a meaningful difference for local families this holiday season and in the year to come.”

Through Meeting the Need for More, ECCO is encouraging the community to participate in four giving opportunities:

• Thanksgiving Meal Drive (Nov. 2–25): Help local families enjoy a complete Thanksgiving meal by donating food items or making a financial contribution — about $46 provides one complete meal. Need increased by 22% compared to 2025.
• Adopt-A-Family (Beginning Nov. 9): Bring holiday joy to local children and families by sponsoring a family and purchasing gifts from their holiday wish lists. Gift drop-offs will take place Dec. 1–10. Need increased by 18% compared to 2025.
• GivingTuesday (Nov. 29–Dec. 1): Join ECCO for a 72-hour generosity blitz leading up to GivingTuesday on Dec. 1. Donations will support local needs, including holiday meals and medical and heating assistance. 
• Year-End Appeal (Dec. 2–31): Help ECCO finish the year strong by making a financial contribution to support its programs and services into 2027. Donations will help the organization continue providing food, clothing, health care, financial assistance and other essential resources to neighbors in need. 

Beyond the holiday season, the growing demand for assistance underscores the importance of year-round community support. ECCO distributed more than 915,000 pounds of food during the last fiscal year, a 15% increase from the previous year, while providing hundreds of medical and dental visits and connecting families with additional resources.

Through the generosity of donors, volunteers and community partners, ECCO hopes to meet the increasing demand while continuing to provide compassionate, individualized support to its neighbors.

Community members interested in participating in “Meeting the Need for More” can visit eccocharleston.org/holiday to learn more about each initiative, explore giving opportunities and find ways to get involved.

ABOUT ECCO:

Founded as an emergency relief effort in 1989 after the devastation from Hurricane Hugo, East Cooper Community Outreach (ECCO) has since grown into a permanent resource for the community with three main service areas: Assistance, Guidance, and Resources. Nearly two thousand families receive help through ECCO’s Wellness Pantry, Financial Assistance, Dental & Medical Clinics, Prescription Assistance, Clothing Closet, Asset Development Program, and more each year. Enhanced through personal interactions with staff who provide individualized support and coaching for each client, ECCO meets each client where they are and helps them navigate the challenges they are facing with care and compassion. ECCO is also a place where people who want to help their neighbors in need can find meaningful ways to share their time, talent, and treasure. Each year, over 1,000 neighbors give their time volunteering at ECCO. For more information about how to receive help or provide help, visit www.eccocharleston.org. Follow ECCO on social media @eccocharleston for updates, photos, and more ways to get involved.