As the economy declines, the most vulnerable of citizens are at an increased risk for abuse and neglect. DataSpring supports programs for the over 1,400 children and 300 elderly that are under the care of Charleston County Department of Social Services. In a recent month 36 children were brought into the care compared to the typical 5 to 10.
HALOS (Helping And Lending Outreach Support) is a public/private partnership that provides much needed resources and special opportunities to these children and their caregivers. Through partnerships with community organizations and local businesses, social workers are given the means to provide toiletries, clothes and services for the children in need.
DataSpring employees join in this partnership effort by participating in the Back to School
HALOS program, providing new school uniforms and supplies for each sponsored child.
During the 2008 holiday season, employees sponsored 22 children; providing bikes, toys, books and clothing for those under DSS care. This effort has been an annual event for DataSpring and encourages employees to be active in the community in a very rewarding way.
“Before I came to DataSpring I had not heard of the
HALOS program,” said Paula Rowell, DataSpring employee. “One day I walked in to find the conference room filled with bikes, boxes and bags of wrapped gifts. These children deserve to be happy just as any other child, and I’m proud to be an employee of a company that supports such a worthwhile cause.”