Ways to Donate

When supporters donate to our annual fund, they help cover our everyday expenses. Since other fundraising efforts (like grants) are usually intended for specific purposes, the Annual Fund allows ECCO to have unrestricted funds for general operations.

Unrestricted gifts to ECCO’s Annual Fund provide a crucial bridge between our clients’ needs and the actual cost of purchasing food for our Wellness Pantry, providing financial assistance to a family in need, or helping provide basic dental care to an uninsured adult.

Most importantly, unrestricted gifts, regardless of the size, allow ECCO to respond to our most pressing financial concerns and provide the flexibility to pivot and take advantage of important opportunities.

With a gift to ECCO’s Annual Fund, you’ll make an immediate impact in the community. 

GIVE TODAY

Become a monthly donor and support ECCO on a regular basis. This is one of the most helpful ways to support our organization. Did you know that a $50 monthly donation to ECCO could provide a gas card for one Dental Clinic patient? Monthly, recurring gifts are a wonderful way to show your ongoing support for ECCO and provide our organization with essential consistent gifts. 

COMMIT TODAY

Combine the most favorable tax benefits available with the flexibility to easily support ECCO and your neighbors in need. Donor-advised funds are like charitable investment accounts for the purpose of supporting nonprofits. Donor-advised funds are tax-deductible and the fastest-growing charitable giving vehicle in the U.S.

If you’re interested in learning more about this charitable investment option/planned giving opportunities, contact Don Squires, director of development and marketing, at [email protected].

Visit our donor-advised funds page to learn more.

Quick stock transfer instructions:

1. Contact ECCO’s broker, Richard Giles at Truist Investment Services by phone at 843-722-7818, or by email at [email protected]
2. Provide this information to initiate the transfer (East Cooper Community Outreach)
   • DTC #0226
   • ECCO Account # WA7-075324

Cryptocurrency donations are a new, tax-efficient way to give. By donating cryptocurrency, you potentially avoid capital gains tax on the appreciation and can deduct the fair market value of the asset on your tax return.

The Monsignor James A. Carter Life Ring Society

Established in 2013, the Life Ring Society was established as an initiative to encourage ongoing support from the local community. Made up of donors who make an annual gift of $1,000 or more, this society is the very lifeblood of ECCO’s Annual Fund. 

Like a life preserver, the Life Ring Society provides hope to those in financial distress by giving them the opportunity to pull themselves up. Each gift makes a direct impact on the lives of the neighbors we serve.

Our Life Ring Society levels of support:

• Visionary Circle – $10,000 and above
• Empowerment Circle – $5,000 and above
• Inspiration Circle – $2,500 and above
• Hope Circle – $1,000 and above

Members of the Life Ring Society enjoy benefits such as: 

• An invitation to annual Life Ring Society events
• A quarterly newsletter from our executive director
• Name displayed on the upcoming Life Ring Society display
• Life Ring Society window cling mailed to your home

Throughout the year, ECCO’s Board of Directors hosts several Life Ring Society receptions for existing donors to invite new friends to learn more about supporting the organization. To learn more about our Life Ring Society, please email ECCO’s Director of Development, Don Squires, at [email protected] or by phone at 843-416-7123.

This community of donors is making “hope and help” part of their lasting legacy. Planned giving can make a difference today and for many years to come. Planned giving allows a donor to include ECCO in their estate.

If you’re interested in learning more about this charitable investment option/planned giving opportunities, contact Don Squires, director of development and marketing, at [email protected].

Visit our planned giving page to learn more.

Thanksgiving Meal Distribution:
We know how special Thanksgiving is for families, which is why every November we distribute supplies for a full Thanksgiving meal to every ECCO client who requests assistance. The meal includes sides like green beans, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cornbread mix and of course a turkey! Last year, we provided a full Thanksgiving meal to 765 local neighbors.

Help ECCO reach our goal of distributing gift cards for turkeys to local families this holiday season by making a donation today. With your help, we can give our families the opportunity to enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving meal together! For more information, please contact Don Squires at [email protected].

Adopt-A-Family:

ECCO’s Adopt-A-Family program brings joy and relief to local families during the holiday season. In 2025 alone, the program supported 230 families, reaching 576 children with gifts, essentials, and a reminder that their community cares.

Applications to adopt a family open in November. Once you sign up and select your family, you’ll receive a confirmation email with their personalized wish list—then the fun begins as you shop and help make their holiday season truly special. We hope you’ll join our circle of holiday support this year.

If adopting an entire family isn’t feasible, you can still make a meaningful impact by visiting our Amazon wish list to help stock Santa’s Closet—all from the comfort of your home. Donations of wrapping supplies are also greatly appreciated, including wrapping paper, tape, bows, tags, tissue paper, gift bags, and boxes.

For more information or questions about Adopt-A-Family, please contact Suzanne Redford at (843) 416-7142 or [email protected].

Thank you for helping brighten the holidays for hundreds of children in our community!