Brunson Welcomes New Life on Halloween!
What’s better than pumpkins and trick-or-treating? A little bundle of joy! In the cozy town of Brunson, South Carolina, parents Lauren McAlhaney and Adam Malphrus are over the moon after welcoming their son, Colsen Malphrus, into the world on Halloween day. Born at 2:01 a.m. at the Beaufort Memorial Collins Birthing Center, baby Colsen weighed a healthy 6 pounds, 11 ounces.
This festive occasion didn’t stop with just one new arrival. Colsen was one of three adorable babies born at the center on this spooktacular day! The hospital was buzzing with excitement, fueled by the thrill of day and night shifts of nurses and doctors happy to be doing such amazing work.
A huge shoutout goes to the Sea Island Quilters, who gifted the new mothers with a beautiful Halloween quilt and to the BMH Crafters for their lovely crocheted bat capes and candy corn delights for the little ones. It’s little gestures like these that show how the community truly comes together to celebrate new beginnings!
A Wave of Kindness After Hurricane Helene
On another heartwarming note, the strong spirit of giving is in full swing as South Carolina rallies together to help communities hit hard by Hurricane Helene. Over $5 million has been generously contributed to the One SC Fund at Central Carolina Community Foundation. This remarkable amount marks the highest single donation in the fund’s history, which took off back in 2015.
The One SC Fund’s mission is clear: to help nonprofits respond effectively to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, focusing on the counties that received a FEMA disaster declaration. Georgia Mjartan, the president and CEO of the Central Carolina Community Foundation, expressed her awe at the outpouring of support. “It is incredible to see the generosity of all the organizations, individuals, and companies who have given to the One SC Fund,” she stated, underscoring how vital these contributions are in facilitating relief and recovery.
Since launching the fund on October 1, 2024, a wave of corporate and foundation support has rolled in, alongside over $200,000 in donations from caring individuals. Notable contributors include the Foundation for the Carolinas, Blue Cross BlueShield of South Carolina, Wells Fargo, and many others, showcasing an impressive spirit of unity across the state and beyond.
Grants to Feed the Community
So far, the One SC Fund has awarded $450,000 in grants targeted specifically towards food banks in the affected areas. These include classified organizations like the Golden Harvest Food Bank, Harvest Hope Food Bank, Lowcountry Food Bank, and Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina. These relief efforts are critical in ensuring that everyone gets the lifeline they need in the face of such a disaster.
For nonprofits looking to make a difference, relief and recovery grant applications are available for up to $50,000. Interested organizations can apply through OneSCFund.org.
If you feel inspired to help and join this incredible wave of support, contributions to the One SC Fund can easily be made online or by mail. Whether you’re a local or from afar, every little bit helps!
As we revel in the delightful news of new life and the inspiring response to disaster, it’s a reminder of the strength and kindness that embodies this lovely community.
