Charleston maritime partners calling on community to help fill shipping container with toys for SC foster children

SC Ports, the International Longshoreman’s Association, Coalition 18 and the Maritime Association of South Carolina are partnering again this year to fulfill the holiday wish lists of South Carolina foster children.

Charleston’s maritime community is encouraging its partners, businesses and area residents to donate to the Maritime Toy Drive with the goal of filling a 40-foot ONE shipping container with toys by Dec. 13. Donations will be distributed to foster children in South Carolina by the S.C. Department of Social Services.

This is the maritime community’s third annual toy drive in Charleston. These efforts have collected thousands of toys for foster children in South Carolina.

“SC Ports is dedicated year-round to connecting with local communities and giving back to our citizens,” SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin said. “South Carolina’s maritime community is teaming up again to make the holidays brighter for foster children in our state. We encourage people and businesses to join us in supporting such a wonderful cause.”

“The International Longshoremen’s Association Local 1422, Local 1422-A and Local 1771 believe in service and giving back to our community,” said Yvette Flowers, Secretary Treasurer of ILA Local 1422. “We hope others in the Lowcountry will join our maritime community and support South Carolina children this holiday season.”

“The trucking community delivers goods to homes and businesses every day, and we are proud to participate in the Maritime Toy Drive to give back to children who are so deserving of happy holidays,” said Juan Gordon, president of trucking organization Coalition 18. “We want to inspire the community to go even bigger this year. Every little bit counts.”

"Collaboration and community service are at the heart of the maritime industry," said Taylor Jackson, President and CEO of the Maritime Association of South Carolina. "We're honored to support this meaningful initiative and invite others to join us in making a lasting impact on the lives of South Carolina children during this season of generosity."

How to donate: 

Please bring unwrapped toys to SC Ports headquarters (200 Ports Authority Drive, Mount Pleasant, SC), or purchase toys online through the wish lists below. When checking out, please make sure to select the gift registry shipping address.

• Amazon Gift Wish List

• Target Gift Wish List

• Walmart Gift Wish List