<b>Students give back&nbsp;</b><b>in the Lowcountry</b>

More than 350 students from across the nation have been visiting the Lowcountry to lend their time and talents to helping make life better for elderly, disabled and families in need throughout Beaufort and Jasper Counties.&nbsp;

The United Way of the Lowcountry coordinated the 18th Annual Catholic HEART Work Camp. &nbsp;

During the Catholic HEART (Helping Everyone Attain Repairs Today) Work Camp program, the students, along with 100-plus adult leaders and several local volunteers will work together on at least 55 projects throughout the community. Work ranges from yard work and minor repairs to installing handicap ramps. &nbsp;

In addition to working on residential homes, some of the groups will be working on projects with agencies throughout the community. &nbsp;

Student volunteers come from all over the country, and were housed at the Hardeeville School Complex.&nbsp;

“These young people make a big impact in just a few short days by doing simple home repairs including painting, yard work, cleaning, repairing screens and anything else that is difficult for an elderly or handicapped person to accomplish,” said said Bethany Marcinkowski, United Way of the Lowcountry's vice president of Education Impact.&nbsp;

“With the impacts of Hurricane Matthew, there is a big need for these types of services and we're excited to have this wonderful group of kids in our community to help us meet the needs of our neighbors.”

Each of the groups had an adult leader and were assigned to projects throughout Beaufort and Jasper counties. &nbsp;

“This program's mission is to revitalize communities and beautify homes of the elderly, the disabled and those who cannot afford needed repairs,” said Marcinkowski. “This falls right in line with United Way of the Lowcountry's Community Impact agenda, which includes working to meet the basic needs of our neighbors by transforming substandard homes into safe living conditions.”

<b>Operation Backpack&nbsp;</b><b>needs school supplies&nbsp;</b>

The United Way of the Lowcountry is currently collecting school supplies and donations as part of Operation Backpack. &nbsp;

Operation Backpack is an initiative of United Way of the Lowcountry Women United, providing local students in need with backpacks full of school supplies and uniform shirts to start school in the fall. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Operation Backpack aims to fill the gap and help students who are not served by other agencies by working with local guidance counselors and social workers to identify children needing school supplies at several schools throughout the Beaufort and Jasper counties. &nbsp;

Last year, Operation Backpack provided backpacks for more than 465 students. &nbsp;

The initiative has expanded this year and will serve more than 600 students throughout Beaufort and Jasper counties.&nbsp; &nbsp;

United Way of the Lowcountry is currently collecting school supplies and monetary donations for Operation Backpack. &nbsp;

The list of school supplies include:
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">• Pocket folders (2 pockets)</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">• Crayola Washable Markers</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">• #2 pencils (box of 12 count)</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">• Ruler (12 inch, clear if possible)</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">• Glue sticks</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">• Composition notebooks (marble)</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">• Index cards</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">• Highlighter (Yellow)</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">• Hand sanitizer&nbsp;</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">• Box of facial tissue</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">• Crayons (24 count)</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">• Filler paper</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">• Zipper-seal quart and gallon bags</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">• Wet Wipes</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">• Paper towels</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">• Gift cards (Old Navy and Walmart)</p>
Monetary donations and gift cards will be used to purchase size-specific uniform shirts and additional school supplies. &nbsp;

Monetary donations can be made online at www.uwlowcountry.org or by check. &nbsp;

Checks should be made out to United Way of the Lowcountry with "Operation Backpack" in the memo.

Gift cards and checks should be mailed to: United Way of the Lowcountry, P.O. Box 202, Beaufort, SC&nbsp; 29901.

Donation boxes have been placed at various locations throughout the Lowcountry including: &nbsp;
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">• United Way of the Lowcountry Offices in Beaufort at 1277 Ribaut Road</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">• Beaufort Jasper Water &amp; Sewer Authority, 6 Snake Road, Okatie</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">• Lowcountry Insurance, 80 Lady's Island Drive, Lady's Island</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">• YMCA, 1801 Richmond Ave., Port Royal&nbsp;</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">• One Blood, 1001 Boundary St., Suite A, Beaufort</p>
&nbsp;For more information, visit www.uwlowcountry.org. &nbsp;

<b>Beaufort students&nbsp;</b><b>graduate from college</b>

The following students are recent graduates:

• Olivia Wingate graduated from Emerson College in Boston with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Studies.

• Walicia Patterson graduated from the University of South Carolina.