‘A lot of happy faces’: Men of Hope brings Christmas to 150 children

Their effort, which is led by the Deacon Ministry of Unity Fellowship Community Church, served area children for the eighth Christmas this year.

The effort involved the distribution of $100 Walmart gift cards to 150 students from elementary schools throughout Orangeburg County. The children were identified by school guidance counselors and social workers.

“The Deacon Ministry learned of this project and saw it operating successfully in other counties,” Deacon Sam Farlow said. He’s one of the organizers of the initiative.

“We saw a need in Orangeburg County and decided to start the project here. The purpose is to invest in the lives of the children in the community. We work with Orangeburg School District, social groups, local business, churches and individuals in the community,” he said.

The gift cards were given with the intention of helping the children shop for themselves and for others, instilling in them a sense of independence, pride and hope, according to Men of Hope officials.

“We had a wonderful time,” Farlow said. “There were a lot of happy faces.”

Organizers and volunteers met elementary-age students and their parents at the North Road Walmart on Dec. 16 and 23.

Each child was given a $100 Walmart gift card and paired with a volunteer to do their Christmas shopping.

Many of the children purchased toys, but some purchased necessities such as shoes, clothing and bedding, Farlow said.

In past years, the outreach ministry also purchased several hundred bicycles for children.

“We only provided bikes during COVID to limit personal contact,” Farlow said. “However, post-COVID, we wanted to get back to our original model of providing $100 Walmart gift cards and actually shopping with the families.”

Men of Hope received support from individuals, businesses, industries, churches and civic groups this year to make the giving possible, Farlow said.

Gulbrandsen was among the industries helping to make Christmas a little bit brighter for area children in 2023. The industry contributed $2,000 to the effort.

“At Gulbrandsen, we believe in the power of community support and the importance of giving back,” Gulbrandsen Director of North American Human Resources and Environmental Health and Safety James Carson said.

“Our latest donation reflects the company’s continuous belief in the work being done by Men of Hope, validating their efforts and encouraging others to join in supporting this worthy cause,” he said.

Chick-fil-A, Bojangles on Chestnut Street, McDonalds and Walmart donated breakfast items for the volunteers.

“It’s an honor and privilege to partner with ‘Men of Hope’ in this initiative to invest into the lives of our children,” Orangeburg Chick-fil-A owner Wayne Murphy said.

“Chick-fil-A Orangeburg’s vision is to ‘impact and influence our community.’ This is an opportunity to give back to our great community during this special time of the year,” Murphy said.

Volunteers and financial contributions came from across the state.

Other support came from Unity Fellowship Community Church members, religious leaders, educators, Delta Sigma Theta sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, Omega Psi Phi fraternity and college students, Farlow said.

“The Men of Hope initiative brought people together to demonstrate the compassion of Christ through giving,” Unity Fellowship Community Church Pastor the Rev. Jerome Anderson said.

“It was an exciting event for the people who received as well as for those who came to give of their time, and of themselves,” he said.

“Men of Hope continues to emulate the character of Christ, who often expressed his love for children by ministering to their needs,” Anderson said. “They reminded us that the spirit of Christmas begins in the heart.”

Orangeburg County School District Director of Student Services Hayward Jean said, “We are grateful for our strong partnership with Unity Fellowship Community Church.

“The Men of Hope initiative with our students will have a long-lasting impact on our students, their families and the community as a whole. The reactions of the families were the expression of hope and God’s love.”

Brookdale Elementary School Principal LaTonya Nelson said, “The Men of Hope Initiative is one that I wholeheartedly support because volunteers have the pleasure and honor to take students across the district shopping all while sharing the word of God.

“This year was a blessing for me as principal of Brookdale Elementary School because I was fortunate to take a few of my students shopping.”

“The joy and excitement the students expressed warmed my heart,” Nelson continued. “It also allowed me to build a stronger relationship with my parents. I encourage everyone to support this initiative.”

Orangeburg attorney Samantha Farlow-Moyd said, “The Men of Hope initiative is a service project I support every year because I see firsthand how the children of our community benefit.

“The organization does an outstanding job with identifying those at need and providing an avenue for local businesses and individuals to get involved.”

Outside of its annual Christmas outreach effort, Men of Hope’s overall mission is to provide support, encouragement, direction, confidence and protection to underserved children with an eye toward helping them become productive citizens.