Our greatest needs include: canned pasta, ramen noodles, cheese crackers, cereal, rice, granola bars, spaghetti, spaghetti sauce, chicken noodle soup, pudding cups, applesauce or fruit cups, diapers, baby food, wipes, and hygiene products.
Our school children continue to need the following:
We’re collecting new clothing for our children in with a focus on winter essentials.
Food Drive Volunteers: We need 6 volunteers every 2 hours to help during the food drive.
We collect weekly donations at Lowe’s Foods to provide essential items for children in need.
After the devastation of Hurricane Hugo in 1989, our founder Barbara Mains and two friends saw the depth of local poverty… trailer parks with dirt floors, kids without shoes, families barely getting by. What started as a small act of kindness grew into Help 4 Kids, built on the belief that no effort for a child is ever wasted.
More than 30 years later, we’re still a 100% volunteer-run organization feeding, clothing, and supporting children across Horry County. Through Help 4 Kids and Backpack Buddies, we reach thousands each week, many of whom count on us as their only source of food outside of school. When kids have what they need, they’re free to learn, grow, and simply be kids.
Research shows that hunger in children leads to poorer mental and physical health, increased school absences, higher rates of behavioral issues, and reduced readiness to learn.
Backpack Buddies launched in 2004, initially serving about 300 children with food packs every Friday.
Over the years, the program expanded from 3 schools to 29 schools, reflecting its success and growing need.
Today, Backpack Buddies delivers nearly 3,000 food packs each week to children in Horry County.
The program provides child-friendly, self-serve, nutritious food designed to fit discreetly in backpacks, ensuring children have meals over the weekend.
The program has made significant strides, positively impacting children’s lives and helping to mitigate the effects of hunger.
Parents express appreciation, and the joy on r children’s faces when receiving their backpacks is a powerful reminder of the program's importance.
Dust off your clubs and join us for a day that blends great golf with an even greater cause. On Saturday, July 12, 2025, Help 4 Kids is partnering with the Knights of Columbus Council 8980 for our annual Charity Golf Tournament at the beautiful Wachesaw Plantation East. Every swing,
Get ready for one of the Grand Strand’s most exciting spring events—Wing Fling in the Spring- in just 30 days! Join us at The Car Store on Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 11 AM – 3 PM. Mark your calendar to join us and our local community in raising money for Help4Kids/Backpack Buddies! Location: The Car Store
Join us on March 31st, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m. EST at Tidal Creek Brewhouse for an evening of community and giving to support Help 4 Kids! Together, we can support local children and create a brighter future. We hope to see you there! Location: Tidal Creek Brewhouse 3421 Knoles
