Florence-Darlington Technical College, September 15, 2025

News Summary

Heritage Digital has successfully conducted the second annual Feed Hope Food Drive at Florence-Darlington Technical College, gathering support from over 44 local businesses to help combat food insecurity among students. The event took place at FDTC, promoting community engagement and support for the college’s Stinger’s Nest food pantry. Acknowledging its leadership role, FDTC recognized Heritage Digital with an appreciation plaque. The initiative is vital for student success, addressing the challenges faced by many students lacking access to food resources. Future expansions of the program are anticipated for continued community involvement.

Florence-Darlington

Heritage Digital has successfully hosted its second annual Feed Hope Food Drive, a campaign aimed at combating food insecurity among students at Florence-Darlington Technical College (FDTC). The 2025 drive saw participation from over 44 businesses across the Carolinas, collectively contributing essential grab-and-go items for FDTC’s “Stinger’s Nest” food pantry.

The donation event took place on September 9 at FDTC, bringing together community leaders, students, and business partners to support the cause. Each participating business set up a collection box for donations, leading to a significant influx of non-perishable food and hygiene products. This collaborative effort signifies a regional network that has grown beyond its student-led roots.

In recognition of its leadership in the Feed Hope campaign, FDTC honored Heritage Digital with a plaque of appreciation. The drive has effectively illustrated the importance of community involvement in addressing local challenges, particularly food insecurity among students.

As part of the college’s initiative, Paula McLaughlin, FDTC’s director of student life and career development, stressed the importance of these donations in supporting student success. The initiative aims to eliminate barriers to education by providing food resources to students, many of whom lack access to cafeteria services across six campuses located in three counties. The Stinger’s Nest has become a crucial resource for these students.

Alongside the commendable community support, Sheryl Love of FDTC has been recognized for her dedication to ethical fundraising, earning the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential. This achievement not only underscores FDTC’s commitment to ethical fundraising practices but also enhances the college’s ability to sustain its programs.

Clint Moore has recently been appointed as the new chairperson of the FDTC Area Commission, which may further strengthen the initiatives aimed at supporting students in need. Meanwhile, Marty Parker, CEO of Heritage Digital, emphasized that investing in students is crucial for ensuring regional economic growth.

In addition to the Feed Hope Food Drive, the Florence Center is set to host the Harlem Globetrotters on December 7 as part of their 100-Year Tour, providing another opportunity for community engagement and entertainment.

Background on Food Insecurity at FDTC

The Feed Hope initiative is a response to the growing concern of food insecurity among college students. Many students at FDTC face significant challenges in accessing reliable food sources, which affects their overall wellbeing and academic performance. The Stinger’s Nest not only provides food but also serves as a supportive environment for students navigating these challenges.

Community Involvement and Support

The overwhelming participation from local businesses and community members showcases the commitment across the region to support education and student welfare. This initiative has led to a more extensive network of services and support for students facing food insecurity, highlighting the effectiveness of collaborative efforts in addressing critical issues.

Future Initiatives

Looking ahead, FDTC plans to continue and possibly expand the Feed Hope initiative, further engaging with local businesses and community partners to ensure that all students have the resources they need to succeed in their educational endeavors.

FAQ

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Additional Resources

• The Disinsider: Florence Pugh to Make Marvelous Return in Spider-Man: Brand New Day
• Wikipedia: Florence-Darlington Technical College
• The Disinsider: Florence Pugh Still Disney’s Top Choice for New Live-Action Tangled
• Google Search: Florence-Darlington Food Insecurity
• People: Tyler Florence on Turning Down The Bachelor
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Food Insecurity

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FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.