Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce

Presented by the Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce, the Non-Profit of the Year recognizes an organization that has demonstrated a strong effort in successfully using its organizational mission and resources to improve the quality of life and business in Pickens County, along with working in close partnership with the business community to achieve the desired results. At its Annual Meeting & Awards Dinner on March 29, the Easley Chamber was pleased to honor United Christian Ministries as its 2022 Non-Profit of the Year. 

Founded in 1989 by a group of area church leaders realizing the need for a cooperative ministry to meet the basic needs of persons in crisis, United Christian Ministries began with the help of 48 supporting churches. Today, that support has grown to more than 80 churches providing resources through faithful financial gifts, donations of food & clothing, and dedicated volunteers. In addition to churches, they have successfully leveraged support from the local business community. 

Their Annual Feet for Heat 5K generates funds for heating assistance. In 2021, the event increased its business partners from 27 to 39. United Christian Ministries also utilizes Retail Rescue with long-standing partnerships with Publix and Aldi for donations of unsold food that would otherwise be considered waste. In 2021 alone, they received almost 18,000 pounds of food through these partnerships. And from an educational perspective, they partner with Save-a-Lot to conduct SNAP outreach opportunities to educate clients on the benefits of receiving food stamps and the application process. 

But they’re always exploring new opportunities. Last year, they partnered with Foodshare and Feed & Seed to offer affordable boxes of fresh produce and recipes to encourage healthy food choices and offer support to local farmers. In addition, they have recently forged new partnerships with local restaurants to donate portions of their sales, as well as offer added marketing via their social media platforms. 

In 2021, these efforts and partnerships allowed United Christian Ministries to provide food assistance to 2,315 families, clothing assistance to over 150 families, rental assistance to 68 families, and utility assistance to 264 families. 

Please join the Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce in honoring United Christian Ministries as the 2022 Non-Profit of the Year.