Amid a global pandemic where most of our employees worked from home and contact with others was limited, Palmetto GBA teams continued to make a difference in their communities. Through multiple, diverse philanthropic effects our team members helped meet the needs of the communities they call home.

Annually, Palmetto GBA selects two Best of Philanthropy winners. One for Gifts of Treasure and one for Gifts of Time and Talent. Winners can grant $1,500 each for a total of $3,000 to the charities of their choice.

As in prior years, the Central Carolina Community Foundation agreed to select our winners. After careful review and consideration of the nominations, we are excited to share the winners of the 2020 Best of Philanthropy Awards!

2020 Best of Philanthropy Award – Gifts of Treasure

Congratulations to Division 54 on achieving this year's Gifts of Treasure Award! The pandemic didn't deter members of this team from donating "treasure" to help families across the Midlands of South Carolina. Participating in BlueCross and BlueShield of South Carolina's "Be a Holiday Hero" drive for Families Helping Families. Seventy-nine employees donated funds and shopped for the forty-three family members on their lists. This led to over 200 wrapped gifts collected, valued at over $4,000, to be placed under Christmas trees in twenty-five homes across Columbia. The Division 54 team's generosity continued as they helped families struggling with food insecurity during the pandemic. Division 54 worked to raise over $1,300 during the "Meal Box Drive” for Oliver Gospel Mission. These funds helped provide 635 Thanksgiving meals to families in need. Division 54 didn't stop there though, this team also "Spread the Love" and donated over 200 jars of peanut butter to Harvest Hope Food Bank to help feed those suffering from hunger.

Congratulations Division 54!

2020 Best of Philanthropy Award – Gifts of Time and Talent

Let's give a huge round of applause to Division 5/29 for being awarded the Gifts of Time and Talent Award this year. The arrival of this global pandemic brought an increase in the need for food. In response, the Shared Services Team rolled up their sleeves and brainstormed ways to help. Through a creative virtual network of volunteers, collection hubs were established and through donations of food and funds, these hubs provided more than 2,000 meals to those in need. The struggles of the pandemic didn't just affect people, it also took a toll on animal shelters and humane societies. Through a creative campaign called "Animals Need Love Too", employees were reached virtually to help this cause. Over $850 was raised and much-needed supplies including food, towels, blankets, and cleaning products were donated.

Through these efforts, we say Congratulations Division 5/29 Shared Services!