Friends of the Community-Upstate

11/03/2026

Volunteer Tuesday
Kindness isn’t measured by how much you have to give—it’s measured by how faithfully you show up.

At Friends of the Community-Upstate, we are 100% volunteer-based. Every box handed out, every meal served, and every life touched happens solely because people in our community choose to give their time and energy to pull up a seat at the table for others.

Our volunteers give so much of themselves—and we love finding ways to bless them back!

We are currently seeking local businesses to sponsor volunteer appreciation gifts! Whether it’s gift cards, treat baskets, coffee vouchers, or practical supplies, partnering with us to honor our volunteers is a powerful way to show your support for the people who power our community.

Drop some love in the comments below to thank our amazing volunteers for showing up week after week!

11/02/2026

Mission Monday
Food insecurity is about more than just an empty plate—it’s about connection, dignity, and knowing someone cares. Whether it’s through our pantry or a monthly meal, every box packed and every meal given is a step toward making sure no one walks alone.

How can you relate to our mission? Why does having a community where everyone has a seat at the table matter to you?

11/02/2026

Friends of the Community is excited to announce that, thanks to our wonderful community partners, we will be serving Thanksgiving meals this November! Pickup will take place at Pelzer First Baptist Church (6 Reed Street, Pelzer) from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM—simply drive behind the church and down the alley, and one of our volunteers will bring your plates directly to your vehicle.
We are also glad to offer delivery for elderly community members who are unable to pick up in person with a Belton, Pelzer, Piedmont, or Williamston address. You MUST reach out to us via email [email protected] to schedule this service, as deliveries are limited based on the number of volunteers available.
Because our resources are limited, sign-ups will cap at 1,000 meals. If you are in need of a meal, please fill out our Google Form to register, as social media comments will not count toward sign-ups. We look forward to sharing a warm meal with you!
Link to sign-up for our free meal: https://forms.gle/xCg2SgmC584kAJ9D8
Link to volunteer: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4FA8AF28A2F8C16-67250961-thanksgiving

11/01/2026

Happy Thanksgiving Season!
Thanksgiving meal sign-ups will open on November 2! Last year we gave out 1000 meals. We couldn’t do it without the support of our community! We appreciate the Food Lion in Pelzer for their continued support of our community meal program. It truly takes a village.

11/01/2026

Applications will be closing soon!

We are excited to announce that Giving Tree applications are officially open to the public! This program is strictly available to residents with a Pelzer or Williamston address, as trees are located inside the Pelzer and Williamston Town Halls (West Pelzer residents are assigned to the Pelzer location).

Only 25 spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and the form will close immediately once all spots are filled. Because the Giving Tree is a shared community responsibility, we unfortunately cannot serve areas outside of the tri-town community at this time. Please note that all services depend on local community support and are not guaranteed.

Who may apply: (families with) children, seniors, adults with disabilities.

Applications: https://forms.gle/DvrmFs2nfNRhqNxN6

10/31/2026

Thank you Card My Yard Williamston - SC for supporting our mission! Every five items gets one entry into the raffle for a FREE Yard Greeting!

How to enter:
-Raffle pertaining to the food drive runs October 30-November 12.
-Bring items to our location: Pelzer First Baptist Church 6 Reed Street Pelzer. Go behind the church and back down the alley. We rent space in the basement. Hours that donations can be dropped off: Monday and Thursday 3:30-5:00 PM. A volunteer will log your name and number of items donated.
-Contact us if you need to make other arrangements to get donations to us at a time that is more convenient for you. We have volunteers at the church most days of the week but hours vary.
-November 13: Card My Yard-Williamston will announce the winner, to be drawn via online raffle.
-See flyer for CMY service area.

💚🎉 GIVE A LITTLE. WIN A LOT! 🎉💚

Card My Yard Williamston is excited to partner with Friends of the Community-Upstate to help stock local shelves and support families right here in our community! ❤️

We’re giving YOU a chance to win while giving back! 🎁

🥫 HERE’S HOW TO ENTER:
Donate food items from Friends of the Community’s current Most Needed Items List between October 30 – November 12, and you’ll be entered into a drawing to win a FREE Card My Yard setup! 🎉

Every donation makes a difference, whether you bring a few items or a whole box! Let's come together to help our neighbors in need. 🫶

📍 Check out the flyer for the list of most-needed items and all the details!

❤️ Real people. Real needs. A stronger community.

Thank you for helping Card My Yard Williamston spread a little joy while supporting such an important cause! Let's fill those shelves! 🥫💚

Our service area includes the following zip codes: 29621, 29627, 29697, 29669, 29673, and 29642

10/30/2026

Forward Friday
Our vision is a world where business partners are fully empowered to lead the charge in giving back and uplifting our community.

We know that so many local business owners and corporate partners want to give back, but figuring out where to start, finding the time, or how to maximize their impact can be tough. That’s why our goal is to bridge that gap—providing the connections, guidance, and opportunities that turn good intentions into real community change.

What tools, resources, or support do you think businesses need most to help them make a bigger impact?

10/29/2026

We want to send a massive shoutout to YardBarbers for their incredible community support! 💚

Whether it’s holding food drives, sponsoring meals, or rolling up their sleeves to help prepare food, Daniel is always stepping up to help us feed and care for our neighbors in need. We are so grateful for your ongoing generosity and dedication to our community. Thank you for making such a positive impact!

10/27/2026

We are so thankful for this opportunity and partnership from our friends at Jeff Martin Auctioneers, Inc. Thank you for supporting our mission!

💛TOGETHER, WE CAN MAKE A BIGGER DIFFERENCE.

Jeff Martin Auctioneers is partnering with Friends of the Community - Upstate Food Bank for a community food drive at our November 19th East Coast Construction & Transportation Auction in Pelzer, SC.

🍲Bring nonperishable food donations with you to the auction and drop them off at the Friends of the Community informational table.
✅Most-needed items include:
Egg noodles, grits, canned vegetables, diced tomatoes, cream of chicken soup, gravy packets, pinto beans, bulk dry milk, fruit cups and canned fruit.

You can also support the cause by bidding in our Ring 2 Charity Auction.
📆November 19th | 9 AM ET📍 1618 Auction Drive, Pelzer, SC
Ring 2 Charity Auction: https://na2.hubs.ly/H08Fszt0)
Every donation helps Friends of the Community continue serving families right here in our local community.

10/27/2026

Thank you to our friends at What’s Up, Upstate SC? for sharing information about our food drive at Pelzer Food Lion and Giving Tree.