ECCO distributes hurricane preparedness kits with support from the Volvo for Life Fund

Mount Pleasant, South Carolina: East Cooper Community Outreach (ECCO) provided hurricane preparedness kits to ECCO clients during the most recent hurricane season as part of its ongoing commitment to disaster readiness and community resilience. This donation was made possible by the Volvo Car US Operations Community Fund.

The Volvo For Life Fund was established in 2017 to distribute grants to non-profit organizations that serve the area surrounding the South Carolina factorythat is now the global production home. Volvo Cars is committed to supporting the communities where we live and work. Since coming to the Lowcountry in 2015, Volvo Cars has partnered with organizations across the Lowcountry to build strong, sustainable, mutually beneficial relationships through volunteering and their Community Grants Program.

Founded as an emergency relief effort in 1989 after Hurricane Hugo’s devastation, East Cooper Community Outreach (ECCO) has played a critical role in disaster preparedness and response across East Cooper for more than 35 years. Through firsthand experience, ECCO has seen how preparation can significantly reduce the impact of natural disasters on families and neighborhoods. Throughout hurricane season, ECCO emphasized the importance of having both a Family Disaster Plan and a Family Disaster Kit in place to help protect loved ones during emergencies.

ECCO extends its sincere gratitude to the Volvo Car U.S. Operations Community Fund of the Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina for their generous support, which made the distribution of these hurricane preparedness kits possible.

“These kits helped ensure our neighbors had access to essential supplies that could make a meaningful difference during severe weather events,” said Stephanie Kelley, Executive Director of ECCO. “Preparedness is especially important for households already facing financial hardship.”

Each hurricane preparedness kit included:

• Water-resistant bag
• Tarp
• Paper towels
• Flashlight and batteries
• Glow sticks
• Antiseptic towelettes
• Matches
• 2025 South Carolina Hurricane Guide
• One case of bottled water

For additional emergency preparedness resources, visit ECCOcharleston.org/emergency-response.

About ECCO
Founded as an emergency relief effort in 1989 after the devastation from Hurricane Hugo, East Cooper Community Outreach (ECCO) has since grown into a permanent resource for the community with three main service areas: Assistance, Guidance, and Resources. Nearly two thousand families receive help through ECCO’s Wellness Pantry, Financial Assistance, Dental & Medical Clinics, Prescription Assistance, Clothing Closet, Asset Development Program, and more each year. Enhanced through personal interactions with staff who provide individualized support and coaching for each client, ECCO meets each client where they are and helps them navigate the challenges they are facing with care and compassion. ECCO is also a place where people who want to help their neighbors in need can find meaningful ways to share their time, talent, and treasure. Each year, over 1,000 neighbors give their time volunteering at ECCO. For more information about how to receive help or provide help, visit www.eccocharleston.org. Follow ECCO on social media @eccocharleston for updates, photos, and more ways to get involved.