The Heartbeat of the Lowcountry!
The Heart Of Carolyn
Together, We Make a Difference
Serving the surrounding communities of the Lowcountry
Minnie Carolyn Badger-Griffin
1948-2022
Learn more about the Heart of Carolyn
Rooted in compassion and community, The Heart of Carolyn is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving Beaufort, Jasper, Colleton, and Hampton Counties and the surrounding areas of South Carolina. What began as a simple desire to help neighbors in need has grown into a mission to uplift lives through kindness, connection, and opportunity.
Our programs reach those facing hardship—offering direct support, encouragement, and resources that build resilience and hope. Every act of service, every helping hand, and every shared smile strengthens the community we call home. Together, we’re not just meeting needs—we’re inspiring change from the heart.
Rooted in compassion and the memory of a remarkable woman, The Heart of Carolyn (HofC) was founded to honor the life and legacy of Minnie Carolyn Badger-Griffin, whose generosity, faith, and love for her community continue to inspire our mission. Carolyn devoted her life to service — as a dedicated wife, mother, church leader, and friend to all who crossed her path. Deeply rooted in faith and guided by kindness, she poured her heart into helping others and uplifting those around her. Her spirit of compassion and her belief in the power of community are the foundation on which The Heart of Carolyn stands today.
Our programs carry forward her example by providing direct support, encouragement, and resources to individuals and families throughout the region. Every act of service, every helping hand, and every life touched reflects the same love and hope that Carolyn shared so freely.
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What We Do: 2025 The Heart of Carolyn Initiatives
In 2025, our efforts include a Back-to-School Book Bag Drive, a Community Garden to promote nourishment and connection, a Holiday Toy Drive to spread joy during the holiday season, a Monthly Food Pantry and Clothing Closet, and Meals for Youth during summer break to ensure no child goes hungry. Each program reflects our ongoing commitment to uplifting families, strengthening our neighborhoods, and growing hope throughout the Dale and Yemassee communities.
Bishop Aaron Haynes and True Holiness Church donated to the HofC 2025 Community Giveaway
Youth Summer Lunch Programs
HofC and John Smith from Sparklight Internet at the Community Giveaway
HofC helps local families with a Back to School Bookbag Giveaway for the 2025-26 school year
Helping youth in our community
The HofC Food Pantry
The HofC sponsored a Community Food Drive
at the James Davis Elementary School in the Dale Community
Holiday Toy Drive
"Collard Greens Anyone?"
HofC sponsors the Yemassee Community Garden
We Offer Monthly Community Support
At The Heart of Carolyn, we open our doors with love and purpose through our Food Pantry and Clothing Closet — a place where compassion meets community. This ongoing initiative ensures that families and individuals in Beaufort, Jasper, Colleton, and Hampton Counties and the surrounding areas have access to nutritious food, clothing essentials, and a welcoming space of support.
We’re open on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Saturdays of each month from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 597 Keans Neck Road, Seabrook, South Carolina, located at the Dale New Church of Christ. Everyone is welcome — no registration, no requirements, just neighbors helping neighbors. Whether you’re picking up groceries, finding clothing, or lending a hand, your presence helps strengthen the spirit of kindness and connection that defines The Heart of Carolyn.
Click here for directions to the Food Pantry & Clothing Closet
Our Programs
Our programs aim to uplift those in need by offering direct support through various channels. Explore our endeavors as we work collectively to foster growth and resilience in the community.
Food
Clothing
Pantry Access
We operate a Food Pantry, serving families in need across Hampton, Jasper, Beaufort, and Colleton counties. The HofC provides nutritious groceries to ensure that no family goes hungry, supporting both wellness and hope throughout the community.
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we are proud to distribute 4,000 turkeys each November for Thanksgiving, helping families celebrate the season with dignity and joy. Every visit to our pantry is more than a meal—it’s a reminder that neighbors helping neighbors can create lasting impact. Together, we continue Minnie Carolyn’s legacy, uplifting lives and strengthening the bonds that make our community thrive.
Youth
Empowering Futures
Join us in empowering youth through a variety of dynamic educational and recreational programs. Our initiatives are designed to equip young individuals, ages infant to 18, with essential skills, knowledge, and opportunities that pave the way for bright, successful futures.
Together, we can inspire, support, and uplift the next generation, helping every child reach their fullest potential.
Sustainable Solutions
Our Clothing Program provides quality apparel to individuals and families in need, helping them feel confident and cared for. We focus on sustainability by collecting gently used donations and redistributing them to the community, ensuring that every item finds a meaningful purpose.
We offer men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing in all sizes for every season, from cozy winter layers to lightweight summer essentials. By combining compassion, practicality, and respect, our program not only meets basic needs but also fosters dignity and self-worth for those we serve.
Garden
Community Growth
For the past three years, our Community Garden in Yemassee, SC, has provided a welcoming space for individuals and families to grow fresh, healthy produce while learning about sustainable gardening practices. More than just a garden, this initiative cultivates connections, bringing neighbors together to share knowledge, teamwork, and a sense of community.
By nurturing both the land and relationships, we are sowing seeds of growth, wellness, and lasting impact.