Manning teen seeks help for hunger relief

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Laurence Manning Academy senior Bailey Gottheiner strives to combat hunger in Clarendon County. 

Her goal is to increase awareness about United Ministries of Clarendon County’s efforts to combat hunger.   

In conjunction with the Manning United Methodist Church youth group, Gottheiner encourages awareness for hunger. She is also founder of the Red Cross Club at her school and works to be an avid role model to her peers.   

“People don’t realize that the ministry also accepts fresh eggs and produce, processed game meat, cleaning supplies, plastic grocery bags and personal supplies,” she said. “They also provide assistance with prescription reimbursements, financial assistance and clothing needs, which are always in high demand.”

In an effort to increase awareness for the needs of supplies at United Ministries, Gottheiner has persuaded a close friend to help.

Fellow LMA student Leah London has agreed to build a website to increase awareness of the organization. The site will be completed by the end of the summer.

Gottheiner is also soliciting donations for United Ministries. She has started a Sunday school canned goods challenge within the MUMC youth group. Thus far, the challenge has gathered 235 canned goods, 1,000 plastic bags and more than 60 dozen eggs.

Due to the teen’s efforts, Fully Loaded has offered a discount for the month of June.  They will be offering a $5 discount on visits in exchange for two or more canned goods donated to their location, which will be given to United Ministries.

Santee Electric Cooperative in Manning has set up a canned goods drop-off at 3141 S.C. 260 in Manning in an effort to help the ministry.

In operation since 2003, United Ministries of Clarendon County serves the community by partnering with other entities and volunteers in an effort to combat hunger.  

United Ministries Director Kathy Bryce also volunteers in the ministry, coordinating missions and partnerships to help the cause.

“Because of Bailey’s hard work, McCall’s Farms in Effingham donated 2,200 cans of vegetables,” Bryce said. “The cans were delivered to United Ministries last Friday. Bailey has gone above and beyond the call of duty to help us out.”

Twenty students from Laurence Manning Academy were granted permission to leave school early Friday to help unload the truck full of donations.

Mobile Pantry Coordinator Howell Lowder said rural area pantries from partnering churches provided more than 15,040 individuals with food from the ministry’s mobile food pantry in 2016.

Gottheiner is not done helping her community, she said. She plans to host a Christmas in July Party and meal July 15 at Manning United Methodist Church.

“The event will feature a Christmas-type meal, Christmas songs, and a visit from Santa,” said Gottheiner. “A ticket voucher can be obtained at United Ministries for those who qualify.”

Donations for this event may be sent to Bailey Gottheiner, P.O. Box 1272, Manning, SC 29102.

United Ministries is located at 113 N. Church St. in Manning.