Bluffton Self Help
The town’s own charity for neighbors in need: a free grocery market, a clothing closet, emergency help with bills, and adult education.
The people it has helped write about being treated with dignity: a single mother caring for a child with autism calls it a lifeline, and a neighbor with food allergies thanks the staff for finding food she could eat.
- Serves
- Beaufort and Jasper counties
- Runs
- a free market and clothing closet
- Not
- a thrift store open to shoppers
What Bluffton Self Help Does
Bluffton Self Help is the nonprofit Bluffton turns to when a working family or a senior runs short. Ida Martin started it to fill the empty refrigerators she was finding in her neighbors’ kitchens, and it grew with the town; she later received the Presidential Citizens Medal from President Obama for the work. Today it serves Beaufort and Jasper counties from Sheridan Park, off US 278, with an education center in Hardeeville and one on Hilton Head.
The Market: a free grocery store stocked with fresh produce, meat, dairy, eggs, bread, staples and hygiene items, where registered neighbors shop once a week. It is open to everyone who lives in Bluffton (29910 and 29909), to people who work in Bluffton and live elsewhere in Beaufort County (outside Hilton Head) or in Jasper County, and to Hardeeville and Ridgeland residents on Social Security retirement or disability. Bring an ID and a utility bill to sign up, as proof of where you live or work. Hilton Head Island residents register with Deep Well instead.
The Mobile Market: pre-bagged groceries delivered once a week to neighbors who are housebound or have no transportation. Call (843) 757-8000 to apply.
The Clothing Closet: gently used workwear and accessories, children’s clothes and school uniforms, at 59-C Sheridan Park Circle.
Emergency financial help: with rent and utilities, to keep a household in its home.
Education and training: adult basic education, GED preparation, English classes, citizenship preparation and computer skills.
Resource coordination: one-on-one advocates who help people set goals and connect with other services.
Is Bluffton Self Help a Thrift Store?
No, and it is worth knowing before you drive over. Its clothing closet gives clothes to the families it serves; it is not a shop open to the public. If you came looking for a charity thrift store, see our Bluffton thrift stores guide, where every purchase supports a local cause.
How to Donate
Food and clothing donations go to the rear of 39 Sheridan Park Circle, Unit 10, on Monday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The most useful gifts are non-perishable foods, hygiene products, diapers in the larger sizes, business-casual clothing for adults, children’s clothes and school uniforms. It cannot take perishable food, used hygiene items, furniture, appliances or decor: take those to the Habitat ReStore or Goodwill instead.
Money goes furthest, and the charity also welcomes volunteers and group food drives. Its own site keeps the current needs list.
Getting Help
Anyone in Bluffton or Jasper County who is struggling can call (843) 757-8000 or start on the charity’s Get Help page. The Market is open Monday from 4 to 6 p.m., Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon and 4 to 6 p.m., Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and new neighbors register during those hours. The Clothing Closet is open Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m., the evening session for verified working neighbors.
Thrift Stores and Charities in Bluffton
Every thrift store in Bluffton, SC: two Goodwills, the Habitat ReStore, PAL Thrift, church-run shops and consignment stores, and where to donate.
Goodwill in Bluffton, SC: the Island West Park and South Bluffton stores, their hours and phone numbers, what they sell and where to donate furniture.
The Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Bluffton sells donated furniture, appliances and building materials: hours, donations, free pickup and location.
PAL Thrift in Bluffton sells donated furniture, decor and clothing to fund animal rescue: where it is, donation hours, what it takes and free pickup.
Bluffton, SC, across the bridges from Hilton Head: Old Town on the May River, where to eat, what to do, hotels, the grocery run and Palmetto Bluff.
What reviewers say
The people it has helped write about being treated with dignity: a single mother caring for a child with autism calls it a lifeline, and a neighbor with food allergies thanks the staff for finding food she could eat. The Market and the clothing pantry are described as well organized, with plenty of volunteers. The low reviews come from people turned away by its rules, such as needing a home address to use the market, who felt judged rather than helped.
Frequently Asked Questions
Updated
What does Bluffton Self Help do?
It runs a free grocery market and a clothing closet for neighbors in need, helps with rent and utility bills in an emergency, and teaches adult education, GED, English and computer classes, for families across Beaufort and Jasper counties.
Who can shop at the Bluffton Self Help Market?
Everyone who lives in Bluffton (29910 and 29909), people who work in Bluffton and live elsewhere in Beaufort County (outside Hilton Head) or in Jasper County, and Hardeeville and Ridgeland residents on Social Security retirement or disability. Bring an ID and a utility bill to register. The Market is open Monday 4 to 6 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m. to noon and 4 to 6 p.m., Thursday 4 to 6 p.m. and Friday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hilton Head Island residents register with Deep Well.
Where do I drop off donations for Bluffton Self Help?
At the rear of 39 Sheridan Park Circle, Unit 10, in Bluffton: Monday and Wednesday 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It takes non-perishable food, hygiene items and clothing, but not furniture, appliances or decor.
Does Bluffton Self Help have a thrift store?
No. Its clothing closet serves the families it helps and is not open to shoppers. Bluffton’s charity thrift stores include Goodwill, the Habitat ReStore and the Palmetto Animal League Thrift Store.
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