During this time of uncertainty, we are often reminded that our best way forward is to rely on each other for mutual support and collective action, guided by leaders who are called to serve. By making smart investments in each other, seeing what’s possible, engaging everyone and demanding more from ourselves, we will harness the magic of collaborative philanthropy and continue to improve the lives of people across our communities. Palmetto GBA employees demonstrated the magic of collaborative philanthropy this year and we are excited to announce our Best of Philanthropy winners.

This year’s Best of Philanthropy - Treasure Award winner is Division 1M/5M/6M!

The ‘treasure’ donated by members of Division 1M/5M/6M has impacted individuals and families across Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina. The JJ and JM Audit teams adopted ten family members during the Families Helping Families Holiday Drive. Thanks to the volunteers’ big-hearted generosity, 87 gifts and gift cards totaling $1,800 were placed under Christmas trees. In Alabama, Palmetto GBA work at home staff purchased gifts via Amazon for the Shelby Baptist Association’s Christmas Gift Stocking Shop. The shop serves approximately 450 children during the holiday season. The generous gifts provided by the team allowed in need parents to pick out toys and clothing for their children. A happy holiday season was celebrated, thanks to the Palmetto GBA team. The team also donated food, clothing, household items, personal care items, and cash to the Birmingham Free Store. Individuals facing financial difficulties ‘shop’ at the store. The support provided many individuals and families with much needed items. Division 1M/5M/6M, congratulations and thank you for your generosity!

Our 2021 Best of Philanthropy-Gifts of Treasure Award winners, Division 1M/5M/6M, met the team behind Grace Klein Community to donate to their cause of sharing resources to help build and ignite the restoration of individuals, families, and communities. 

This year’s Best of Philanthropy – Time and Talent Award winner is Division 10!

In December, Palmetto GBA employees, and their recruited family members, participated in the annual national Wreaths Across America Day at Fort Jackson Nation Cemetery to honor service members who sacrificed their time and safety to preserve our freedoms. The volunteers served in a variety of roles to assist with the wreath-laying ceremony – a ceremony that showed our veterans and their families that we will not forget their service or their sacrifice. The team’s gift of time touched lives. Division 10 volunteers launched their annual school supply drive in August. The drive supported two schools in Richland County and two in Lee County. Donation boxes were placed in central locations in the Columbia and Camden offices. Members of the team donated supplies, and the school drive team leaders collected them and delivered them to Lee Central Middle and Lee Central High Schools in Bishopville, SC. This coordinated effort – time and talent on display – helped students begin their school year with much needed supplies. Division 10 volunteers also ‘pulled’ together to collect 17 pounds of pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House (RMH). The tabs were recycled and converted into cash that helped pay RMH’s operating expenses. Volunteers also conducted an undergarment drive for Transitions. They solicited donations and delivered over 670 items of clothing to the shelter – another coordinated effort that made a difference in Transition residents’ lives. Congratulations and thank you to Division 10 for your gifts of time and treasure!

Our 2021 Best of Philanthropy-Time and Talent Award winners, Division 10, presented donation checks to Lourie Center SC, Epworth Children's Home, and Oliver Gospel—Toby's Place to support their services in our local communities.