Together Grand Strand: Local business owner is giving away thousands of Easter goodies
“What can I do to help?”
Bargain Wholesale owner Gary Bingham asked himself that simple questions a few days ago. Then he realized he has thousands of boxes of Easter treats and toys in his warehouse. He hoped to put together 50 to 100 Easter baskets to give to families in Horry County.
Now, they think they are going to create 3,000 or more.
“You want to do more and more because people are so desperate,” Bingham said.
Desperation was replaced by gratitude and appreciation by the hundreds that came to Wednesday’s giveaway at Inlet Square Mall. Cars stretched around the mall, and out to U.S. 17, to pick up a free Easter basket. The hope is to give baskets to families who might be feeling the financial crunch because of coronavirus and can’t afford Easter goodies.
Sam Cooper was one of the people waiting in line on Wednesday morning and said her family all lost their jobs because of the COVID-19 outbreak. While they had the food for Easter, they didn’t have much to give to the children.
“It’s great,” she said of the giveaway, and added that now they can have a complete Easter.
Volunteer John Gallman ran from car to car handing out baskets filled with stuffed animals, egg decorating kits, toys and candy. He said he was amazed by the turnout.
“It’s a sign of hope,” Gallman said, “in a time where everyone is fearful.”
If locals missed Wednesday’s giveaway, the volunteers plan to be out again Friday and Saturday. The giveaways will resume at 10 a.m. each day at the Inlet Square Mall.
Oh, and the Easter Bunny has plenty for everyone in need.
“We got enough for all Horry County,” Bingham said.
