The newest member of the Board of Directors of Second Helpings is a resident of Dataw Island who is an experienced nonprofit executive director and former product support manager. Mary Marshall joins the board of the only nonprofit in the Lowcountry that rescues food from grocery stores and provides it free of charge to some 60 partner agencies. Second Helpings distributes approximately 2.7 million pounds of food a year.
Marshall is a volunteer who is committed to supporting the work of Second Helpings. In addition to her new role as Second Helpings’ board member, Marshall also is a volunteer at Saint Helena Elementary School, a member of the Dataw Garden and Visual Arts Clubs, and is active with the owner’s association of the Smoky Mountain Country Club community.
Marshall was formerly executive director of a community nonprofit that raised funds that were subsequently distributed to nonprofits within nine counties of Northeast Georgia. In addition to fundraising and managing events, Marshall’s role was to develop a marketing plan to propel the foundation by improving its image and increasing awareness of its work. Stronger relationships, a website, newsletters, and a 10-year, $250,000 scholarship donation commitment were among the results of her leadership.
Previously, Marshall was forest products customer service and product support manager for 20 years with one of the country’s largest forest product companies. She managed regional and national customer accounts and was the highest-ranking female within her division.
Marshall’s nonprofit expertise is a welcome addition to Second Helpings, according to Lili Coleman, executive director. “Mary has a proven track record for customer service and guiding nonprofits. She understands the importance of our organization and already is helping to improve awareness in the communities we serve. As chair of the Second Helpings’ Communications Committee, Mary Marshall is assuming an important leadership role for us.”
The newly appointed board member speaks highly of the work of Second Helpings. “We all have choices regarding how we spend our free time. I like the fact that Second Helpings rescues food that can benefit those in our community who need assistance. The soup kitchens, senior centers, and others that are recipients of this food value the fact that they do not have to pay for what they receive from Second Helpings. It is because we live in a generous community that the operations and other support needed by Second Helpings are funded. I am excited to contribute to this work.”
Second Helpings collects and distributes food valued at $4.5 million from 30 food donors and given to 60 agencies in Beaufort, Hampton, and Jasper counties. It is estimated that approximately 22,000 people benefit from food rescued by Second Helpings every year. Volunteers and donations are critical to Second Helpings operations since the organization is entirely supported by grants and donations. To find out how you can get involved, go to https://www.secondhelpingslc.org/help-the- hungry.
