Local Businesses are a Saving Grace for the With Love Project 

By Whitney Gilliard, Co-founder, CEO, Gilliard & Co, Gilliardandcompany.org

Local businesses are the backbone of our economy, they were also the saving grace to our local families through Gilliard and Company’s With Love Project this past Christmas.

The With Love Project is a program designed to support at-risk families under Child Protective Services Cases. Support comes in many forms such as relief of financial burdens or the donation of toys during the holiday season.

In our own backyard, 38% of children live in a single-parent household, 27% of caregivers lack secure employment, and two out of 10 minors live in poverty. These are the circumstances that lead to 8,690 Child Protective Service calls with substantiated maltreatment cases out of 121,000 calls made to the Georgia Division of Family and Social Services.

In 2022, Gilliard and Company partnered with local businesses during the holiday season with one goal in mind, “sustaining vulnerable families in 2023.” 

The inaugural Gala was made possible entirely with donations. Our toy drive served 64 local children with donated toys and food for the holiday party for families was also donated. 

In kind donations made nearly all of our events possible!

Most recent studies have shown that 75% of consumers prefer to support business that gives back to the community. These local businesses set the tone for more community involvement in the upcoming year.

“We cannot do what do today if it weren’t for the support of our local businesses stepping up for our families and children. Through their donations and efforts, children stayed safe with their loved ones. We will continue to work with these leaders throughout 2023 and hopefully, many more who will take a stand with us for foster care awareness” says Whitney Gilliard, CEO and Founder of this local foster care organization.

The businesses that made a difference:

Pooler Magazine

Effingham Magazine

SOL Insights

The BomBae Curry

Green Fire Pizza

EMPWR Solar

Adams Limo Services

The Savannah Picnic Company

DreamArk Kloset

Harkleroad Diamonds and Fine Jewelry

LindsayBelle Creations

The Legacy at Savannah Quarters

The Horne Law Firm

40 Volume Salon & Spa

Edwards Jones

Secret Saints Corporation

Sweet Serendipity Boutique LLC

Renfroe Outdoor

The Edgar Group

Pretty Girl Cheffing, Culinary Services

Step One Automotive

Sweet Jones

The Critters

Elite Bartending

Paul The Advisor, LLC

Coastal Empire Law Group LLC

ITS ConGlobal

Beverage Warehouse

Jenkins High School Booster Club

Sources:

75% of Consumers Today are Demanding that Companies Give Back | LinkedIn

Maltreatment Research and Statistics - PCA Georgia (gsu.edu)

Georgia Child Abuse Statistics 2023 – Everything You Need to Know (startmyllc.io)