Charleston’s maritime and trucking communities aim to fill shipping container with holiday donations
November 20, 2025
South Carolina Ports and its partners are calling on Charleston area businesses and residents to help fulfill the holiday wish lists of South Carolina’s foster children.
The toy drive, now in its fourth year, aims to fill a 40-foot shipping container with donations and is supported by SC Ports, the International Longshoreman’s Association Locals 1422,1422-A and 1771, Coalition 18 and the Maritime Association of South Carolina.
“Helping to ensure prosperity for all South Carolina residents is at the core of what we do,” SC Ports President and CEO Micah Mallace said. “We’re thankful for our maritime and supply chain partners for stepping up again this year to give back to those most in need during the holiday season.”
“The work the trucking community does every day reaches homes and families all over our state,” said Juan Gordon, President of Coalition 18. “Since 2022 we have donated thousands of toys to South Carolina foster children, and we ask the Charleston community to join us in supporting this important cause.”
Approximately 2,000 donations have been collected each year and are distributed statewide by the S.C. Department of Social Services.
“The International Longshoremen’s Association Local 1422 and Local 1422-A care deeply about supporting community and serving those most in need. These efforts are especially important during the holidays, and we call on others in the Charleston area to join us in making a lasting impact in the lives of our state’s children,” said ILA Local 1422 and 1422-A staff and his members.
“Working collaboratively is essential to the work our industry does each day,” said Taylor Jackson, President and CEO of the Maritime Association of South Carolina. “We are proud to support this effort with our partners again this year and give back to those in need this holiday season.”
Unwrapped toys can be dropped off at SC Ports headquarters, located at 200 Ports Authority Drive, Mount Pleasant, SC, or can be purchased online and shipped from the wish lists below.
The deadline for donations is Friday, Dec. 12.
Wish lists:
When checking out, please make sure you select the gift registry shipping address.
About South Carolina Ports
South Carolina Ports owns and operates marine terminals at the Port of Charleston and two rail-served inland ports in Greer and Dillon. As the 8th largest U.S. container port, SC Ports connects port-dependent businesses throughout the Southeast and beyond to global markets. SC Ports proactively invests in infrastructure ahead of demand to provide reliable service, efficient operations, cargo capacity, an expansive rail network and the deepest harbor on the East Coast at 52 feet. SC Ports is a vital economic engine for South Carolina, with port operations supporting 1 in 9 jobs statewide. Learn more: scspa.com.
