Our History

Starting with a POP!

Lowcountry LEAP Ministry is a 501c3 non profit that began informally in April 2020. It started with a 6:30 am phone call between two friends (Cheryl and Tammie) who have a heart for children. Tammie asked Cheryl if she could help make some popcorn for the neighborhood kids one morning. It was in the early stages of Covid, the kids were out of school doing their school work at home. They made so much popcorn, they blew the fuse in the garage! Then they started thinking bigger. They recruited two more friends (MaryBeth and Donna) and decided to make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches/brown bag lunches for low income neighborhoods. That summer, along with other volunteers, they made over 500 sandwiches per week! That ministry continues every summer and now includes toys and games for the children.

Expanding the Vision

Then, they turned the spotlight on the first responders. LEAP took meals to emergency room workers, police departments, nurses, fire departments - just trying to help in any way it could. Donations came in to help with whatever project was started.  

The next step was when LEAP realized the schools were not feeding the low income students their breakfast and lunches during the pandemic. That was a big problem for many neighborhoods. LEAP asked for volunteers and supplies. Volunteers opened their hearts and wallets! Our plan was simple - make lots of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, along with some bologna and cheese sandwiches, add some chips and a snack with a bottle of water and give the low income neighborhood children (and parents/caregivers) a brown bag lunch. These kids were so hungry they would sit right down on the sidewalk and eat! We handed out lunches to adults and kids. We continued with our brown bag lunches all summer. Some weeks we handed out over 500 lunches. We started collecting toys to distribute to them, and in some neighborhoods, we stopped for a while to play with the kids or read a book or two to the little ones. 

In July we started collecting school supplies for the kids that we had gotten to know over the summer. By August we were handing out backpacks filled with the essential items as well as toys, books, and more importantly – Bibles.

Making It Official

At this time, we were collecting more financial and material donations. That is when we transitioned from an informal group to an established nonprofit. Our mission statement is: To be a messenger of hope and a beacon of light. To lift the lives of the lowcountry through Christ-like love. 

During the remainder of the first year donations grew and we used them to bless children and families with food for Thanksgiving and toys for Christmas. Each time we handed out items every volunteer was blessed. 

In 2021 and throughout 2022, we continued with our original projects and added a few more such as helping the elderly and shut-ins with food deliveries. We also started serving a hot meal to 20-24 homeless twice a week. A prayer, conversation and a hot meal go a long way with many people. We now serve about 30-35 meals twice a week and are working very hard to get these folks connected with a Bible study or a small church to start their faith journey.

Now, Hope

In 2023, we are continuing to focus on feeding our homeless twice a week all year as well as providing them with tents, sleeping bags, some clothing, mosquito wipes, gatorade, waters, blankets, tarps and other basic necessities. LEAP also continues the children’s lunch ministry that currently focuses in the Knightsville area. We provide PB&J sandwiches, chips, and a snack twice a week during the summer months. The children also are able to choose a donated book or toy to enjoy.

Beyond the basics that we provide such as food and supplies, we offer hope. The hope that we share is based on our love for them as commanded in Jesus’ Second Great Commandment – Love your neighbor as yourself. If you have a heart to love others, know that all of your donations go directly to helping your neighbors in need. There are several opportunities for you to volunteer your time and talents to make a difference in someone's life. 

Your Loving Everyone Always Passionately Leaders,

Tammie Hood

Cheryl Myers

MaryBeth Elam

Donna Rollins