North Myrtle Beach Times Serving our Community and the Grand Strand for over 50 years
Providing meals for the homeless in Loris holds significant importance for Cookie Tisdale and her husband Chris. They make it a point to travel across Loris, Conway and Myrtle Beach to ensure that individuals in need receive a warm, nutritious meal at least once daily. For 27 years, Tisdale and her family have dedicated themselves to seeking out the homeless to assist with their urgent needs.
By Kaye Collins
Since 1998, Cookie Tisdale has been providing food for the homeless in Loris, Conway and Myrtle Beach. She later started collecting donations for warm winter clothing and essential items to help keep them comfortable. “God placed it in my heart to assist those who are less fortunate than I am,” Tisdale stated. “It brings me joy to offer items that help keep them warm, even if it’s just a hot meal.” She created the 501C nonprofit Blessed are Those Who Bless Others, through which she gathers donations and feeds the homeless a hot meal once a day.
A total of 301 individuals reside in and around Loris in tents, with ages spanning from 3 months to 85 years. Within this population, one group consists of 13 children living in their homeless campsite, either permanently with their parents or with parents who have visitation rights. Last year, when Tisdale and her husband Chris spoke to the Loris City Council, there were 99 individuals experiencing homelessness in Loris.
During the holiday season, she gathers items to wrap and donate to the homeless for Christmas, along with a turkey dinner complete with all the trimmings.
This year, she is seeking assistance with items that will ensure these individuals stay warm at all times. She is gathering socks, long johns, blankets, pillows, gloves, toboggans, scarves and hand warmers. Additionally, she is collecting personal hygiene products, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, bars of soap, hand sanitizer, shampoo, washcloths and towels.
Tisdale aims to gather items like a deck of playing cards, board games, books, paper and pencils, drawing pads, colored pencils and snacks like peanut butter crackers and nutrition bars. “It’s the small things we often overlook providing,” she remarked, “it would be wonderful for them to have activities to engage in when they are not working or looking for employment.” While not all homeless individuals are employed, she hopes to assist them by offering information on where to pursue education or find permanent job opportunities.
Financial contributions are greatly valued and can be sent via CashApp at $JohnsonBrend. “Anyone is welcome to contact me; I will gladly accept any donations, whether monetary or gifts as specified.
The Loris Methodist Church is a hub to drop off the donations between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., 3507 Broad Street in Loris. Another drop off location is 1938 Log Cabin Road in Loris. Contact Tisdale at 843-877-1035.
All contributions must be collected by Tuesday, December 23, at the Methodist Church, and by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, December 24, if delivering to Log Cabin Road.
“We all require a touch of Christmas spirit in our lives as we commemorate the birth of our Lord and Savior,” Tisdale stated. “Chris and I aim to reach out to those who are vulnerable and seeking a way to escape living in a tent or beneath a tarp. I am grateful for all the gifts that residents have contributed throughout the year. Merry Christmas.”
