Staff reports
First responders from across Beaufort County are again joining forces to help make sure local families have food on their tables this holiday season.
The fifth annual Beaufort County First Responder Food Drive will take place Sunday, Nov. 1 through Friday, Dec. 11, collecting nonperishable food items to benefit Bluffton Self Help and HELP of Beaufort.
The annual food drive brings together law enforcement, fire, EMS, local governments and community partners from throughout Beaufort County with one goal: helping restock local food pantry shelves ahead of the Christmas holiday.
Each year, Bluffton Self Help and HELP of Beaufort report increases in the number of individuals and families seeking assistance.
During the fourth annual food drive in 2025, the community donated more than 4,000 pounds of nonperishable food, which was evenly distributed between the two organizations.
This year, first responders are challenging the community to help collect and donate more than 5,000 pounds of food. All donated food must be nonperishable, within its expiration date and unopened.
This year, the food drive is also proud to partner with the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. A collection box will be available at the Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk Bluffton beginning at 8:30 a.m., Sunday, Nov. 8 at Rose Hill Plantation, 1 Equestrian Way in Bluffton. Participants and spectators are encouraged to bring nonperishable food donations to the event.
Donation locations
Collection boxes will be available at locations throughout Beaufort County:
Beaufort County
• 100 Ribaut Road, Beaufort
Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office
• 2001 Duke Street, Beaufort
• 70 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island
Beaufort County EMS
• 2727 Depot Road, Beaufort
• 25 William Pope Drive, Okatie
• 31 Red Barn Drive, Bluffton
• 12 Buckingham Plantation Drive, Bluffton
City of Beaufort
• 1911 Boundary Street, Beaufort
Beaufort Police Department
• 1901 Boundary Street, Beaufort
Town of Port Royal
• 700 Paris Avenue, Port Royal
Port Royal Police Department
• 1748 Paris Avenue, Port Royal
Beaufort/Port Royal Fire Department
• 1750 Paris Avenue, Port Royal
Town of Bluffton
• 20 Bridge Street, Bluffton
Bluffton Police Department
• 101 Progressive Street, Bluffton
Bluffton Township Fire District
• 357 Fording Island Road, Bluffton
Town of Yemassee
• 101 Town Circle, Yemassee
Yemassee Police Department
• 21 Zahler Street E., Yemassee
Burton Fire District
• 2 Market, Beaufort
Lady’s Island-St. Helena Fire District
• 146 Lady’s Island Drive, Beaufort
Fripp Island Fire Department
• 289 Tarpon Blvd., Fripp Island
MCAS Beaufort Fire & Emergency Services
• 2085 Drayton St., Beaufort
Community partners
Preserve at Hanover Park Apartments
• 125 Hanover St., Beaufort
Port Royal Sound Foundation Maritime Center
• 310 Okatie Highway, Okatie
Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk Bluffton
• Nov. 8 at 8:30 a.m.
• Rose Hill Plantation, 1 Equestrian Way, Bluffton
Residents are encouraged to drop off donations at any participating location between Nov. 1 and Dec. 11 and help Beaufort County first responders surpass this year’s 5,000-pound goal.