The Town of Turbeville is turning Valentine’s Day into a community “FUN”draiser with a parade set for Feb. 14, to benefit the Turbeville Children’s Home.
The parade will step off at 11 a.m. along Main Street and is being billed by organizers as a lighthearted, family-friendly event designed to bring the community together while supporting one of Turbeville’s longest-serving institutions.
Organized by town leaders with the help of volunteers, the parade is open to individuals, businesses, churches, clubs and organizations. There is no entry fee, and registration will be accepted right up until the day of the event.
“We knew we wanted to do something to help The Children’s Home,” organizer Jenna Reynolds Windham said. “They need the community now especially. But we also wanted something that would be fun and unique, and as Valentine’s Day fell on a Saturday this year, it seemed like a chance to really do something different.”
Participants may begin staging as early as 9:30 a.m. on Pope Street, with staging continuing until about 10:30 a.m. Volunteers will be on site to help direct entries. The parade route will follow its traditional path, beginning on Pope Street, turning onto Park Street and then continuing onto Main Street at the traffic light.
The event is weather permitting, and organizers said there will be no rain date if conditions are unsafe on Feb. 14.
Rather than charging an entry fee, organizers will collect a love offering throughout the event. Donations will be accepted in cash only and may be given in any amount.
“We will take up a love offering both along the staging route and the parade route,” Windham said. “Participants set the amount they want to give. Any amount is appreciated because every amount helps.”
Volunteers dressed as cupids will be stationed along the parade route with donation boxes, and signage will alert spectators when and where they can contribute. Spectators will also have an opportunity to give as the parade passes.
Funds raised will go directly to the Turbeville Children’s Home, which provides residential care and support for youth from across South Carolina. In addition to ongoing needs such as cleaning and household supplies, the Home is currently working toward the construction of a new gymnasium with office space.
“It’s an added expense that doesn’t care that the usual needs must still be met,” Windham said. “They need community involvement this year especially.”
Organizers hope representatives and residents of the Children’s Home will be involved in or recognized during the parade as a way to honor their work.
“This isn’t only about raising money,” Windham said. “It’s also a ‘thank you’ for the work they do. For generations now, they have taken in youth from all over the state and strived to be a positive example in their lives. That deserves recognition.”
While the parade is planned as a one-day event for now, organizers said it could become an annual tradition.
“As long as their doors are open, there will be a need and a chance for the community to work together to help them,” Windham said.
Those interested in participating may contact Turbeville Town Hall or text 843-598-4449 for additional information.
