The Fort Mill Care Center needs help filling its pantry shelves before the fall rush hits.

The volunteer-run nonprofit posted its September Wishlist on Tuesday, Sept. 1, asking Fort Mill and Tega Cay residents to donate groceries, household essentials and gift cards. The organization said the number of families it serves rises as fall and the holidays approach, and it wants shelves stocked before that demand arrives.

Residents can drop off donations at the Care Center's warehouse, next to its main building at 2760 Old Nation Road in Fort Mill. The warehouse accepts donations on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon, and on Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday hours resume Sept. 11.

A second drop-off spot, The Giving Porch at 749 Revival Row, is also open. The Care Center said it has additional business drop-off partners, though specific locations were not listed in the September post.

Gift cards stretch further. The Care Center accepts Walmart and Aldi gift cards, PayPal contributions and orders through its Amazon Wishlist. The organization said gift cards let its volunteers buy the items most needed at any given time.

Candice Fairbanks, who authored the September appeal on the Care Center's website, wrote that every donation helps the nonprofit prepare for the months ahead and ensure families have access to food and household essentials.

The Care Center, incorporated in 1987 by the Fort Mill Ministerial Association, does more than stock a food pantry. According to the organization's website, it also provides personal hygiene products, household cleaning supplies and assistance with utilities, prescriptions and emergency dental care for Fort Mill and Tega Cay residents. The nonprofit is entirely volunteer-run and funded by donations from individuals, businesses, churches, youth groups and community organizations.

The Care Center is one of several York County organizations that received food from the 2026 Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, which collected 10,199 pounds of food for families across the county, according to United Way of York County.

Residents who want to help can reach the Care Center at (803) 547-7620 or [email protected].

Upcoming community events

  • Saturday, Sept. 12: Free Jazz Night at Walter Elisha Park in Fort Mill