# Practical essentials when basic needs cannot wait. **Canonical HTML:** https://www.thepostonfoundation.org/carolina-cares/ **Machine-readable alternate:** https://www.thepostonfoundation.org/carolina-cares/index.md **Page description:** Carolina Cares provides practical Essentials Kits and direct aid across South Carolina through The Poston Foundation. Donate, sponsor, volunteer, or partner. > This Markdown file is a machine-readable alternate of the canonical public HTML page. For citation, attribution, and navigation, use the canonical HTML URL above. --- Carolina Cares Initiative # Practical essentials when basic needs cannot wait. Carolina Cares is The Poston Foundation’s direct-aid initiative for people facing hardship, instability, homelessness, displacement, or immediate gaps in basic necessities. We assemble and distribute practical Essentials Kits across South Carolina. A toothbrush, clean socks, water, a snack, basic first aid—small things until you need them and do not have them. Practical direct aidSouth Carolina-basedDignity-centeredCarefully documented [Support Carolina Cares](https://www.thepostonfoundation.org/carolina-cares/#donate)[Volunteer interest](https://www.thepostonfoundation.org/volunteer/) Give Securely ## Help build the next Carolina Cares distribution. Your gift supports practical essentials, preparation, and accountable local distribution. 501(c)(3) public charityEIN 85-0559047One-time + monthly [Open the secure Carolina Cares campaign page](https://akvlbhrb.donorsupport.co/page/carolina-cares) [Donate](https://www.thepostonfoundation.org/carolina-cares/#donate)[Community need](https://www.thepostonfoundation.org/carolina-cares/#need)[Inside a kit](https://www.thepostonfoundation.org/carolina-cares/#kit)[How it works](https://www.thepostonfoundation.org/carolina-cares/#how)[Launch budget](https://www.thepostonfoundation.org/carolina-cares/#launch)[Twelve-month plan](https://www.thepostonfoundation.org/carolina-cares/#funding)[Stewardship](https://www.thepostonfoundation.org/carolina-cares/#stewardship)[Sponsorship](https://www.thepostonfoundation.org/carolina-cares/#sponsorship)[Documents](https://www.thepostonfoundation.org/carolina-cares/#resources)[Questions](https://www.thepostonfoundation.org/carolina-cares/#faq) Why It Matters ## Hardship does not begin at the poverty line. People can be working, housed, and still reach a point where everyday necessities compete with rent, transportation, child care, food, health costs, or an unexpected disruption. Carolina Cares is designed for that immediate layer of need: practical items that can make the next day, appointment, work shift, school day, or transition more manageable. **41%**of South Carolina households were below the ALICE Threshold in 2024. **54.9%**of Richland County renters were housing-cost burdened in 2023. **1,334**people were counted experiencing homelessness across the Midlands in the 2025 Point-in-Time Count. **13.9%**estimated food-insecurity rate in Richland County in 2023. Sources: United For ALICE (2026 South Carolina report using 2024 data); United Way of the Midlands 2025 Community Assessment; City of Columbia / Midlands Area Consortium for the Homeless 2025 PIT reporting; NIMHD HDPulse / Feeding America Map the Meal Gap. **Carolina Cares focuses on practical essentials that can make an immediate difference in a difficult moment.** ### Who the program is designed to reach Carolina Cares is intended to support individuals and families experiencing financial stress, short-term crisis, housing instability, homelessness, displacement, or other immediate resource gaps. Its local roots are in Columbia, with a South Carolina focus and distribution shaped by funding, available supplies, community relationships, and practical operating capacity. Access to clean socks, basic hygiene items, drinking water, and simple first-aid supplies can affect comfort, dignity, mobility, work readiness, and the ability to keep up with daily responsibilities. These needs can arise together, and the items that are useful in one setting may differ from those needed in another. That is why the initiative combines a recognizable kit framework with flexibility. Appropriate local outreach and partner-informed distribution help connect available essentials with a real, immediate use. The Essentials Kit ## Every item should serve a purpose. A Carolina Cares Essentials Kit is a practical support package assembled around useful categories of everyday necessities, with contents selected for the season, distribution setting, and community need. ### Hygiene & Personal Care Soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, wipes, feminine hygiene products, hand sanitizer, and other appropriate personal-care items. ### Clothing Basics Clean socks and other useful clothing basics selected for the season and the setting in which kits will be distributed. ### Food & Water Bottled water, shelf-stable snacks, and similar ready-to-use provisions that can provide practical support during the day. ### Health & Safety Basic first-aid supplies and appropriate protective or seasonal items, selected within the program’s available resources. ### Resource Information Relevant local service information when it is suitable and reasonably current, helping connect practical aid with additional community resources. ### Packaging & Other Essentials Bags and packaging that keep supplies together, plus other useful items selected for the people and circumstances a distribution is intended to support. ### Useful supplies, prepared consistently The program plan calls for standardized or semi-standardized kits using documented supply categories. A clear packing checklist, kit counts, and simple inventory records help volunteers prepare usable packages and help the Foundation understand what has been purchased, donated, assembled, and distributed. In-kind support can help stretch the supply budget. Before purchasing a large quantity or organizing a collection drive, [contact the Foundation](https://www.thepostonfoundation.org/contact/) to discuss current priorities, product suitability, quantities, and delivery arrangements. [Help South Carolinians in Need — Carolina Cares Initiative](https://www.youtube.com/embed/rn2v3ceBaZo?si=Dp4kcP-wmm0bTOpb&rel=0) How It Works ## Simple by design. Careful in execution. The operating plan follows six connected stages. Support must cover the practical work between receiving a gift and getting an appropriate kit into someone’s hands, as well as the records needed to explain what happened afterward. ### Receive Support Grants, charitable gifts, sponsorships, and approved in-kind supplies build capacity. Gifts are tracked with their source, amount, date, any accepted restriction, and acknowledgment status. ### Procure Supplies Needed products are purchased or received according to community need, season, price, and availability. Receipts, invoices, and vendor records support responsible spending. ### Assemble Kits Volunteers and program partners may organize approved products, use a packing checklist, and record assembled kit quantities. Supply and inventory records are maintained where practical. ### Distribute Aid Kits may be provided directly through local outreach or through appropriate community touchpoints and partner-supported channels. Dates, locations or partners, and kit counts are logged. ### Document Activity Funds, purchases, donated supplies, preparation, and distributions are recorded in a way that supports accountability without unnecessary identification of recipients. ### Report Results Budget-to-actual review and concise narrative and financial summaries help leadership, donors, sponsors, and funders assess completed activity and the next funding need. ### Distribution built around available capacity The Foundation is developing a repeatable, volunteer-supported model. A useful distribution requires appropriate supplies, preparation time, transportation, a suitable location or community relationship, and enough capacity to document the work. Funding and donated products help make those elements available together. Businesses, churches, civic organizations, and community groups can help by discussing supply needs, volunteer packing, referrals, or distribution opportunities. [Contact Carolina Cares about a partnership](https://www.thepostonfoundation.org/contact/) so the scope and timing can be coordinated. 2026 Launch Funding ## A defined first step: a $5,000 launch plan. The 2026 launch goal is $5,000 for Essentials Kit supplies, preparation, local distribution, and program records, with an estimated scope of approximately 200 kits. 2026 launch working budget | Use of support | Planned amount | | --- | --- | | Hygiene items | $1,500 | | Socks | $800 | | Snacks & water | $600 | | First-aid basics | $400 | | Bags & packaging | $300 | | Distribution, tracking & administration | $1,400 | | Total launch plan | **$5,000** | ### What a successful launch should document The launch brief identifies four practical measures: funds raised are tracked, supplies purchased are supported by receipts, kits assembled are counted, and kits distributed are logged. A post-distribution update can then describe completed work with a clear connection between the support received and the activity delivered. [Help fund the next distribution](https://www.thepostonfoundation.org/carolina-cares/#donate)[Read the funding package](https://www.thepostonfoundation.org/assets/docs/carolina-cares-complete-funding-package.pdf) The Twelve-Month Program Plan ## Building a dependable program beyond the launch. The broader program framework is a $30,000 twelve-month plan with a target of approximately 1,000 Essentials Kits. It sets aside $25,000 for kit supplies, $3,000 for distribution and other direct costs, and $2,000 for limited administration and indirect support. Proposed twelve-month Carolina Cares budget | Budget category & purpose | Planned amount | | --- | --- | | Essentials Kit supplies Hygiene and personal-care products, clothing basics, first aid, food, water, seasonal items, resource materials, and related contents. | $25,000 | | Distribution & other direct costs Packing materials, local transportation, printing, storage, distribution support, and other direct project needs. | $3,000 | | Administrative & indirect support Donation tracking, recordkeeping, reporting, communications, compliance support, and limited program administration. | $2,000 | | Total twelve-month plan | **$30,000** | **~1,000**Essentials Kits in the twelve-month planning target, subject to funding, supplies, and capacity. **~93%**of the proposed budget allocated to supplies and other direct program costs. **~7%**allocated to limited administrative infrastructure that supports accountable delivery. **$0**personnel compensation charged to this proposed project budget. Budget figures are drawn from the 2026 launch funding brief and Stewardship, Capacity & Program Plan. Stewardship & Accountability ## Success will be recorded, not merely described. The Foundation is building Carolina Cares around conservative public claims, documented spending, clear use-of-funds records, and concise reporting. The purpose is to protect donor confidence while treating people receiving assistance with dignity. ### Gift records Track support by source, amount, date, restriction, and acknowledgment status so fundraising records can be connected to program activity. ### Purchase records Retain receipts, invoices, vendor information, and budget categories to explain how funds were used and compare spending with the plan. ### Preparation records Count assembled kits and maintain practical supply or inventory records. Document appropriate in-kind support and the supplies it adds to the program. ### Distribution records Log the date, location or partner, and kit count. Document the activity without gathering unnecessary personal information about recipients. ### Reporting that separates plans from results A useful program update should describe what was funded, what was purchased or contributed, how many kits were prepared and distributed, and how actual costs compared with the budget. The Foundation’s plan calls for concise narrative and financial summaries for supporters and funders. Program updates track kits prepared and distributed, supply categories, spending, volunteer and partner activity, and other records that show what the program accomplished. ### A small organization with defined responsibilities The Poston Foundation is a South Carolina 501(c)(3) public charity founded in 2020 and headquartered in Columbia. Its program overview identifies a three-member Board of Directors, adopted governance policies and internal controls, and a lean implementation model supported by volunteers. Eric Chalmers Poston, Founder & Executive Director, is the primary contact for program, funding, and partnership discussions. Learn more about [leadership and governance](https://www.thepostonfoundation.org/leadership-and-governance/), review the [transparency resources](https://www.thepostonfoundation.org/transparency/), or read the [donation policy](https://www.thepostonfoundation.org/donation-policy/). Why We Are Fundraising Now ## The next distribution starts before the day we hand out a single kit. A reliable supply fund allows The Poston Foundation to purchase products when prices are favorable, take advantage of bulk purchasing opportunities, replenish inventory, coordinate packing activities, and prepare for distributions without beginning from zero every time an opportunity to help emerges. The objective is a credible, repeatable community-support program capable of serving South Carolinians year after year. Ways to Participate ## Several ways to help make the next distribution possible. ### Give once or monthly A one-time gift helps prepare the next distribution. Recurring support can build a more dependable supply base, helping the program replenish inventory and plan the next opportunity to serve. [Support Carolina Cares →](https://www.thepostonfoundation.org/carolina-cares/#donate) ### Sponsor Essentials Kits Businesses and community supporters can contribute at defined levels, with appropriate charitable-supporter recognition and a post-distribution update. [Explore sponsorships →](https://www.thepostonfoundation.org/sponsor/) ### Contribute supplies Approved in-kind products can extend the supply budget. Discuss current needs before committing to a large purchase or drive so donated items fit the planned kits and available storage. [Discuss in-kind support →](https://www.thepostonfoundation.org/contact/) ### Volunteer time Express interest in supply organization, kit preparation, packing activities, or other coordinated support. Opportunities depend on current program needs and capacity. [Register volunteer interest →](https://www.thepostonfoundation.org/volunteer/) ### Connect a community partner Churches, civic organizations, local businesses, and community groups can discuss referral connections, suitable distribution settings, and practical support for planned activities. [Start a partnership conversation →](https://www.thepostonfoundation.org/contact/) ### Consider a grant or matching gift Program grants, workplace giving, and matching gifts can strengthen the supply and operating base. The funding and stewardship documents provide a starting point for review. [Review the program documents →](https://www.thepostonfoundation.org/carolina-cares/#resources) ### Turn support into a prepared distribution. Fundraising provides the supplies and operating capacity; coordinated volunteers can help inventory, pack, and prepare approved items when a defined assignment is ready. [Join the volunteer interest list →](https://www.thepostonfoundation.org/volunteer/) Business & Community Support ## Carolina Cares Essentials Kit Sponsorship Sponsorship supports supplies, kit preparation, distribution, and program operations. Five levels give local businesses and community supporters a clear way to participate. Sponsorship levels and charitable recognition | Level & recognition | Support | | --- | --- | | Community Sponsor Website name acknowledgment with consent; e-newsletter acknowledgment if issued; a post-distribution impact update. | $250 | | Supporting Sponsor Community recognition, plus name acknowledgment on select materials when used, a digital supporter badge on request, and event acknowledgment when applicable. | $500 | | Impact Sponsor Supporting recognition, plus website logo acknowledgment with consent and a social-media thank-you when appropriate. | $1,000 | | Lead Sponsor Impact recognition, plus logo acknowledgment on event signage when used and featured charitable-supporter recognition when applicable. | $2,500 | | Presenting Sponsor Lead recognition, plus prominent charitable-supporter recognition and a public thank-you at an event when applicable. | $5,000 | [Discuss a sponsorship](https://www.thepostonfoundation.org/sponsor/)[Email Carolina Cares](mailto:carolinacares@thepostonfoundation.org) Building on the Original Effort ## Carolina Cares began with people going into the community and helping. The renewed initiative is strengthening fundraising systems, sponsorship opportunities, internal controls, volunteer coordination, digital infrastructure, grant readiness, community partnerships, and repeatable procedures for assembling and distributing Essentials Kits. Carolina Cares: 2020 → Today ## The work came first. The structure followed. Carolina Cares began during the first months of COVID-19 in Columbia. Volunteers went into the community with food, water, hygiene items, sleeping bags, blankets, clothing, and other basic supplies. The work was immediate and hands-on. The current initiative carries that practical approach forward with stronger purchasing controls, privacy standards, volunteer coordination, defined budgets, and public reporting. [**Explore the original Carolina Cares record →**](https://www.thepostonfoundation.org/carolina-cares/history/) Read, Share & Review ## The funding and stewardship documents. Review the full source materials behind the launch goal, sponsorship levels, twelve-month plan, and accountability commitments. The summaries above make the key information accessible on this page; these PDFs provide the original materials for grant, sponsor, and partner review. ### Carolina Cares Essentials Kits: Complete Funding Package Four pages covering the 2026 launch funding brief, business and community sponsorships, organizational overview, and stewardship plan. [Open the complete funding package (PDF)](https://www.thepostonfoundation.org/assets/docs/carolina-cares-complete-funding-package.pdf) · [Download](https://www.thepostonfoundation.org/assets/docs/carolina-cares-complete-funding-package.pdf) Preview the four-page funding package [Carolina Cares Essentials Kits complete funding package, four-page PDF](https://www.thepostonfoundation.org/assets/docs/carolina-cares-complete-funding-package.pdf#view=FitH) If the document preview is unavailable, [open the PDF directly](https://www.thepostonfoundation.org/assets/docs/carolina-cares-complete-funding-package.pdf). ### Program Overview & Stewardship Plan Two pages detailing organizational capacity, the six-stage operating cycle, proposed budget, planning assumptions, recordkeeping, and ways to participate. [Open the program and stewardship overview (PDF)](https://www.thepostonfoundation.org/assets/docs/carolina-cares-stewardship-and-program-overview.pdf) · [Download](https://www.thepostonfoundation.org/assets/docs/carolina-cares-stewardship-and-program-overview.pdf) Preview the two-page stewardship overview [Carolina Cares program overview and stewardship plan, two-page PDF](https://www.thepostonfoundation.org/assets/docs/carolina-cares-stewardship-and-program-overview.pdf#view=FitH) If the document preview is unavailable, [open the PDF directly](https://www.thepostonfoundation.org/assets/docs/carolina-cares-stewardship-and-program-overview.pdf). For a funding discussion, current distribution information, or an in-kind proposal, contact [carolinacares@thepostonfoundation.org](mailto:carolinacares@thepostonfoundation.org) or [803-365-3054](tel:+18033653054). Clear Answers ## What donors and partners should know. What does a Carolina Cares donation support? Campaign funds support Essentials Kit supplies, preparation, distribution, documentation, outreach, packaging, transportation, program logistics, and other reasonable direct or administrative costs necessary to operate the initiative effectively. What can be included in an Essentials Kit? Kits can include hygiene items, clean socks, first-aid basics, shelf-stable snacks, water, seasonal supplies, and local resource information, selected for the distribution setting and community need. Can businesses participate? Yes. Businesses may support the initiative through sponsorships, matching gifts, community grants, product donations, employee volunteer teams, gift cards, printing, logistics, or other suitable in-kind assistance. How will distributions be documented while respecting recipients? The stewardship plan calls for logging the date, location or partner, and number of kits distributed without unnecessary recipient identification. Kit and supply records, purchase documentation, and concise financial and narrative reporting support accountability. How can I discuss a distribution, referral, or supply donation? Contact the Foundation at [carolinacares@thepostonfoundation.org](mailto:carolinacares@thepostonfoundation.org) or [803-365-3054](tel:+18033653054). ## Every Essentials Kit begins the same way: someone decides to help. Donate, sponsor the initiative, contribute supplies, volunteer, or connect Carolina Cares with a community partner. [Support Carolina Cares](https://www.thepostonfoundation.org/carolina-cares/#donate) ## Program Updates ### [Carolina Cares Essentials Kits: Practical Support, Prepared with Purpose](https://www.thepostonfoundation.org/news/carolina-cares-essentials-kits/) A look at the current Carolina Cares Essentials Kit model, what kits can include, and how The Poston Foundation plans for preparation, distribution, and accountability. ### [Carolina Cares: The 2020 Direct-Aid Record](https://www.thepostonfoundation.org/news/carolina-cares-2020-direct-aid/) The documented 2020 outreach that established the direct-service roots of today’s Carolina Cares Initiative. ### [Carolina Cares Sponsorship: A Practical Way for Local Organizations to Help](https://www.thepostonfoundation.org/news/carolina-cares-sponsorship/) A five-level sponsorship framework gives businesses, churches, civic groups, and community organizations a defined way to support Carolina Cares Essentials Kits.