Fundraiser needs volunteers

By Kaye Collins

Lori Brown, co-director of Open Hearts Community Outreach, (OHCO) is asking the community to come together to volunteer for a fundraiser/auction to be held on Friday, February 6, at Ernie’s Diner at 3944 Main Street in Loris.

OHCO helps community members in many ways and one of their specialties is having a spaghetti dinner/auction fundraiser at Ernie’s Diner/Sunshine Pancake House to help those in need.

The Loris community and its neighboring regions recognize Cookie Tisdale for her generous contributions, which include providing food and clothing to the homeless in Loris, Conway, and Myrtle Beach since June 2, 1998. Together with her husband Chris, she prepares meals and delivers them to areas where the homeless reside. They also distribute donated clothing, blankets, hats, and gloves. Tisdale makes these deliveries every day of the year, including weekends and holidays. “The Lord placed it in my heart to assist those who are less fortunate,” Tisdale stated, “I will pray with the individuals I encounter and support them to the best of my ability.” She also accompanies the homeless to medical and hospital appointments, bringing wheelchairs and ensuring their safety.

Her 2005 Ford Freestar Van, which has 187,346 miles, is experiencing heating issues and the transmission is failing. A person shared on Facebook that her car is breaking down, and she requires a new vehicle to continue supporting the individuals she has come to love and care for. Multiple posts recommended that someone set up a GoFundMe page to raise sufficient funds for acquiring a reliable and trustworthy vehicle. Ernie Ross and Lori Brown both reached out to Tisdale and plan this dinner with hopes the community will come together for her as she has for the community.

“With all this said, we need everyone who is willing to help Cookie to come together for this spaghetti dinner fundraiser and auction,” said Brown. “She has unselfishly committed to helping the community homeless to nourish them and provide warm clothing and special needs.”

Please contact Lori Anne Brown via FB or Messenger or text at 843-516-3642 to volunteer or contribute items for the auction. “TOGETHER, WE CAN DO IT”, shared Brown. To donate by cashapp use $openheartsloris or Zelle to 8435164642. All donations will go directly to helping Tisdale find a dependable vehicle.