Our Programs

A heartfelt thank you to FOTC volunteers for their selfless community support.

Systemic Change

We proudly offer services across Pickens, Greenville, and Anderson Counties. To remove barriers to access, we deliver to homebound individuals on a case-by-case basis and do not require verification of need. Our services are supported by an easy-to-access intake form designed to make getting help as simple and dignified as possible.

Boxes of bananas and a GreenPoint winter squash box in a vehicle trunk.

Food Boxes

Food box pickup is held on Mondays and Thursdays at 4:30 PM at Monkey Park in Pelzer. Boxes vary each week based on Food Lion donations and available resources. Distribution is reservation-only to ensure we can provide a box to everyone who signs up.

A person scoops whipped cream onto multiple trays of dessert.

Home-cooked Meals

Thanks to the generosity of our donors and the dedication of our volunteers, we are able to provide monthly home-cooked meals such as lasagna, Thanksgiving dinner, and Easter dinner. Their support also allows us to partner with the Town of Pelzer to help make its FREE July 4th celebration possible for the entire community. Together, we are able to nourish neighbors and strengthen community connections year-round.

Group of seven people smiling together in a casual setting.

Storm Shelter

In partnership with the Town of Pelzer, we help provide access to a storm shelter during severe weather events. This collaboration ensures community members have a safe place to go, along with essential emergency supplies. Together, we are committed to protecting our neighbors and supporting their safety in times of crisis.

Donation drive offering clothing, hygiene kits, snacks, blankets, and meal gift cards for immediate assistance.

Safe Night Relief Program

In times of unexpected emergencies—like a fire—the Safe Night Relief Program offers immediate, practical support to impacted families. We provide an emergency checklist to guide next steps, ensuring critical tasks aren't overlooked. Each family receives a set of clean, weather-appropriate clothing for every member, along with hygiene kits stocked with essentials. By addressing immediate needs with dignity, we help families transition from crisis toward long-term recovery.

Read to Rise

Read to Rise is a literacy initiative of Friends of the Community Upstate dedicated to putting books into the hands of children and fostering a lifelong love of reading. Through book giveaways, reading encouragement, community partnerships, and literacy-focused programs, Read to Rise works to ensure every child has access to books and the opportunity to build confidence, imagination, and a brighter future—one page at a time.