How Seabrook Island, SC Is Giving Back to Our Community
Michelle Almeyda-Wiedemuth is a born-and-raised New York native who, after spending nearly four years traveling abroad with her family, was drawn to the Greater Charleston area. After exploring the Lowcountry region, Michelle and her family fell in love with the natural beauty of Seabrook Island and soon made their escape to our oceanside community.
Michelle is not only a valuable member of the Seabrook real estate team, but she is also a highly involved resident. In her spare time, Michelle can be found with her family enjoying the beach and watching the dolphins. She is a self-appointed foodie who also enjoys live music, traveling, and collecting new experiences. Michelle’s clients and colleagues alike describe her as energetic, positive, persistent, and kind-hearted.
Keeping Local Charleston Families Warm for the Winter
Michelle feels blessed to be a part of Seabrook Island, and her passion for helping others led her to find ways she could give back to our local community after an especially difficult year. COVID-19 has presented its own unique set of challenges during an already strenuous time, as winter is often when seasonal work dries up and copious holiday debt rolls in. As a mother of two, Michelle strongly empathizes with struggling families.
“Our situation in life can change in the blink of an eye,” she reflected. “I am grateful that I am not currently in a position where I have to decide between keeping the lights on and clothing my two children.” Michelle believes that you get so much more when you give, which is why Michelle partnered with the non-profit organization One Warm Coat and led a campaign to collect coats from the community from December 14th, 2020, to January 4th, 2021, at the Seabrook Island Real Estate office.
Michelle says, “It’s essential that when we are in a position to help others, we do it. And should the tides turn and we are the ones in need, we hope to be on the receiving end of another’s generosity.” She wanted to show her own children the power of a strong community through the coat drive and she was not disappointed – Michelle was thrilled at the support she received. “It warms my heart to report that in just 22 days, our community stepped up and supported this worthy cause by donating,” she reflected. “Every day that I came into the office I was welcomed by an outpouring of generosity by members of the Seabrook community. The community donated coats, scarves, hats, and gloves for men, women, and children. Many of the children’s coats were brand new with tags, which especially touched my heart. I want to thank the members of my new community for their generosity and support. The response makes me look forward to future opportunities where we can all give back.”
All donations that were received were split between two local organizations, Uplift Charleston and the Delancey Street Foundation, for distribution to families in the area who need them. In total, our community donated 237 coats and raised $332 for the cause. Every dollar raised will warm one person, meaning 569 members of our local community will be kept out of the cold this winter- with many more hearts warmed at the outpour of generosity.
We would like to give a special thanks to Michelle Almeyda-Wiedemuth, One Warm Coat, and, of course, our Seabrookers. If you would like to learn more about our special community or connect with our Seabrook real estate agents, click here.
Watch a video recap of the One Warm Coat Drive here .