A small group of Bridgewater residents assembled to pay it forward to those in need (human or four-legged friends) both in monetary donations as well as requested items within the local community. This group has grown and expanded over the last few years to extend its reach to the benefit of numerous local groups and organizations.  “Operation Kindness is only successful because of the generous hearts of the members of the group and the Bridgewater Community,” said Chris Lemczak, Operation Kindness Leader.   

The year kicked off in January with a Polar Bear Plunge in the community pool, to benefit “Feeding the Homeless” through the local organization Hope’s Kitchen. Over $6,500 was raised during this one event to help feed the homeless! In March, they held a “Meatball Contest” to benefit homeless Veterans building tiny homes with the Veteran’s Welcome Home Resource Center, raising over $3,100.  

Year to date, this group has raised over $12,000 for local groups and organizations such as North Myrtle Beach Rescue Squad, Care Packages to Soldiers of Bridgewater family members serving overseas, Backpack Buddies for Kids, Food donations to St. John’s Food Pantry, and Kind Keepers No-Kill Animal Shelter.

The current projects are a Breast Cancer Walk within Bridgewater to raise funds for Bold and Beautiful Wigs for Cancer, a Halloween Card Run for postage for Samaritan’s Purse Christmas Boxes, and a toy drive in December for local underprivileged children for Christmas.  Chris summed up the experience by saying “It is a joy to do something to help people and makes retirement so worthwhile.”