Charleston County Public Library (CCPL) has received a $2,500 charitable contribution from the Motley Rice Law Firm to support the Kids Café program at the Baxter-Patrick James Island Library. This donation will help to fund the program at the branch through the remainder of the 2022-23 school year. 

“Thanks to Motley Rice, we will be able to ensure no child suffers from hunger between the meals they may receive at school but may not be able to access at home,” said Deputy Director Natalie Hauff. “The library has been working to close the gaps in food security for families and this donation is such a testament to Motley Rice’s commitment to our community.” 

The Kids Café program, which is a partnership between the library and the Lowcountry Food Bank, offers free cold suppers or snacks to students at a total of seven libraries throughout the County. The nutritious meals or snacks are available to kids and teens ages 5-18, Monday through Friday from 3-5 p.m. The Main and St. Paul’s Hollywood libraries offer cold suppers, while the Baxter-Patrick James Island, Cooper River Memorial, Hurd/St. Andrews, Otranto Road, and John’s Island libraries provide snacks. 

“We hope this donation will allow the Library to continue to provide programming and support for Charleston families,” said Motley Rice attorney James Ledlie. “Food insecurity continues to impact Lowcountry counties so we were honored to be able to help aid CCPL’s goal of making sure kids can continue to feed their bodies and their minds.”   

In addition to Kids Café, CCPL hosts the Free and Fresh Community Fridge Program, which provides free fresh produce at select libraries in areas of higher food insecurity and need. If you would like to help support this program, please consider making a donation by dropping off fresh fruits and vegetables to the St. Paul’s Hollywood or Otranto Road library. Cash donations are also accepted.   

For more information on afterschool snacks or other CCPL services and programs, visit ccpl.org.