Beacon of Light Institute For Veterans

01/07/2026

12/14/2025

Beacon Of light Institute For Veterans - 2nd Free Food and Toileteries Giveaway ( Saturday, December 6, 2025).

11/20/2025

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
From the Beacon of Light Institute for Veterans (BOLV)
Website: www.bolv.org

The Beacon of Light Institute for Veterans is proud to announce its 2nd Free Food & Toiletries Giveaway, a major community outreach event dedicated to Veterans, First Responders, and their Families. This event will take place on:

📍 Location: Darlington Elks Lodge
836 Timmonsville Hwy
Darlington, SC 29532

📅 Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

With the support of the Darlington, SC Elks Lodge—generously donating their facility—we are continuing our mission to combat hunger, provide essential items, and support the mental and emotional well-being of those who have bravely served our communities and our nation.

Honoring Our Everyday Heroes
This initiative is designed to uplift those who protect, serve, and sacrifice. Through this giveaway, BOLV aims to ensure that no veteran or first responder—and no member of their family—goes without basic food and hygiene necessities.

To receive items, attendees must present one of the following forms of identification at check-in:

Military ID (Active or Retired)

Employer ID for Former or Current First Responders

A Call to Action: We Need You
As we prepare to serve even more families this year, we are asking community partners, nonprofit organizations, local businesses, and members of the general public to join us in this vital mission.

Ways You Can Support
1. In-Kind Donations
We are accepting donations of:

Non-perishable food items

Toiletries and hygiene products

Household essentials

Baby supplies

Bottled water, drinks, and snacks

Holiday gift items for veterans’ families

Every donated item helps us expand our outreach and provide greater relief to those in need.

2. Monetary Donations
Financial contributions help sustain our programs and allow us to purchase needed items in bulk.
Donations can be made directly through our website at:
👉 www.bolv.org

Your generosity ensures we can continue fighting food insecurity and supporting mental health efforts within the veteran and first responder communities.

3. Volunteer Opportunities
We are seeking volunteers to help with:

Event setup and breakdown

Sorting and distributing items

Check-in and registration

Parking and crowd support

Hospitality and outreach

Whether you’re an individual, group, or organization, your time and service can make an enormous impact.

Together, We Stand Strong
The Beacon of Light Institute for Veterans remains committed to addressing the issues that affect those who have sacrificed so much for us. With your help, we can continue to shine a light of hope, compassion, and support across our community.

For more information, donation instructions, or volunteer registration, please visit:
👉 www.bolv.org

Let’s come together to honor, uplift, and care for our everyday heroes. Your support is not only appreciated—it is life-changing.

Beacon of Light Institute for Veterans
"Serving Those Who Served Us"

11/14/2025

Watch facts!

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

11/05/2025

DVNF and Food Lion Partner with Beacon of Light Institute for Veterans to Combat Food Insecurity

The Beacon of Light Institute for Veterans (BOLV) is proud to announce our upcoming Free Food and Toiletries Giveaway, an event made possible through the generosity of the Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF) and Food Lion. This partnership represents a powerful step forward in addressing the pressing needs of veterans, first responders, and their families who continue to struggle with food insecurity and basic household necessities.

Thanks to a grant from DVNF, BOLV will distribute health and comfort kits designed to provide immediate relief and essential support to those who have served our nation. These kits, filled with personal care and hygiene items, will ensure that veterans not only receive nourishment but also the dignity that comes with meeting everyday needs.

Food Lion’s donation of groceries and pantry staples further strengthens the impact of this outreach, helping families put meals on the table while easing financial burdens. Together, DVNF and Food Lion exemplify the power of collaboration in uplifting communities and restoring hope.
BOLV remains committed to its mission of honoring and supporting those who have given so much to our country. With partners like DVNF and Food Lion, we are making a meaningful difference—one kit, one meal, and one family at a time.

10/24/2025

Dear Community Partners,

The Beacon of Light Institute for Veterans (BOLV) invites you to join us in honoring and supporting our veterans, first responders, and their families through our 2nd Annual Free Food & Toiletries Giveaway on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Darlington Elks Lodge (836 Timmonsville Hwy, Darlington, SC).

This heartfelt community event provides free groceries, essential toiletries, and resources to those who have courageously served our nation and our local communities. With your partnership, we can continue to combat hunger and bring hope to our everyday heroes during this season of giving.

We’re seeking support from local businesses, civic groups, and community organizations through:

💙 Monetary donations to help us purchase food and essential items

🍎 In-kind donations of nonperishable foods, toiletries, or gift cards

🙌 Volunteers to help with event setup, distribution, and hospitality

Every contribution—large or small—makes a real difference. As a valued community partner, your organization will be recognized in our event signage, social media posts, and outreach materials, showcasing your commitment to our heroes and to community service.

If you’re able to partner with us or would like to learn more, please contact me at the information provided below by November 15, 2025.

Thank you for helping us shine a Beacon of Light on those who have selflessly served others. Your support keeps our mission strong and our community united.

With gratitude and respect,

Dr. Yolonda Holmes-Echols
Founder and President
Beacon of Light Institute for Veterans
📞 843-627-1670| ✉️ [email protected] | 🌐 www.bolv.org

P.S. Even if your organization can’t give financially, volunteering or helping spread the word makes an incredible difference. Together, we can serve those who have always served us.

05/08/2022

Join the Beacon Of Light Institute For Veterans celebrate our heroes (Veterans, First and Emergency Responders) on Saturday, August 6-7, 2022. Hitting Home Runs For Our Heroes Softball Tournament Event. Free Community Awareness Event that will have a Vaccination Clinic on-site free Pfizer shots, Booster shots and rapid COVID testing. Florence Freedom Park in Florence, SC.
For more information visit our website learn, share and donate to ensure the success of this event. Many thanks in advance.

www.beaconoflightinstituteforveterans.org

04/22/2022

There will be a "Vaccination Clinic" on-site at this event. Please read below. Come out and support our heroes (veterans, nurses doctors, firefighters, EMS, police officers, Sheriffs, etc). Also, join in the "LOOSE CHANGE CHALLENGE" Save your pocket change and donate them at this event. COME ONE, COME ALL.. LET'S PLAY BALL 🥎🥎🥎🥎🥎

04/11/2022

What was your favorite bite of food at the 2022 Taste of Darlington?

Darlington Raceway Darlington Country Club Darlington Packing Company Greater Darlington Chamber of Commerce Joe's Grill News & Press Raldex Hospitality Healthy Food Store The Legacy of Hartsville Cumulus Broadcasting WBTW News13 CBS Purple Fish Coffee Company Darlington County Parks, Recreation, & Tourism City of Darlington, SC - Administrative Offices Firefighter Fishing - Charles Bailey Darlington Fire Department Fitness Worldwide Gyms SPC Credit Union SC House of Wings Darlington County Library System Terrence F. Carraway Foundation The Terrence F. Carraway Foundation Edward Jones- Financial Advisor: Nancy Matthews Crown Beverages Raceway Ford of Darlington Herald Office Solutions Trinity Collegiate School Julia Belle's Restaurant Hunter Thomas Cartersville Country Winery Chase oil Company Scrubby’s Carwash of Hartsville Purpose To Live Ministry Sheriff James Hudson Old South Brands The Grand Old Post Office Fiber Industries LLC Georgia Pacific Coca-Cola Democratic Women's Council of Darlington County AG Builders, Beacon of Light Institute For Veterans, Scott’s Construction, Southern Charm Restaurant, J&J Right Touch Catering, Simon's Catering of Bishopville, S.C. Vocational Rehab, Southeast Catering & Concessions,

04/09/2022

Let's Play Ball🥎 Hitting Home Runs For Our Heroes Softball Tournament. Free Community Awareness Event that bring awareness to mental health issues.