At Edgewood Summit, community is about more than enjoying an active retirement lifestyle — it’s about making a meaningful difference. Residents are passionate about volunteering and finding ways to support their neighbors throughout Charleston and the surrounding Kanawha Valley.
For many seniors, retirement provides the opportunity to invest time and talents into causes they care about most. At Edgewood Summit, residents embrace that opportunity through a variety of service projects, charitable initiatives, and community partnerships that strengthen Charleston year after year.
Here are some of the many ways Edgewood Summit residents give back to the Charleston community.
1. Supporting Local Children Through Read Aloud Programs
Education and literacy are causes close to the hearts of many residents. Through Read Aloud programs with Kanawha County schools, Edgewood Summit residents help foster a love of reading among local children.
Residents also support the Books for Babies program, helping ensure that families have access to books from the earliest stages of a child’s development. These efforts promote literacy while creating meaningful intergenerational connections between seniors and young learners throughout Charleston.
2. Collecting Food and Clothing for Those in Need
Giving back often starts with meeting basic needs. Edgewood Summit residents regularly organize food and clothing drives benefiting local organizations such as Union Mission.
These drives help provide essential resources for individuals and families facing hardship while offering residents a hands-on way to support the broader Charleston community.
3. Building Hope with Habitat for Humanity
Many residents extend their volunteer efforts beyond donations by participating in projects with Habitat for Humanity.
Whether helping with construction efforts, supporting fundraising activities, or contributing in other ways, residents enjoy being part of an organization that helps families achieve safe, affordable housing. Their involvement demonstrates how seniors can continue making a tangible impact in their communities.
4. Honoring and Supporting Veterans
Many Edgewood Summit residents have personal connections to military service. Through partnerships and volunteer efforts benefiting Veterans Affairs programs, residents help honor those who have served our country.
These activities may include donations, outreach efforts, and participation in programs that provide support and recognition for local veterans.
5. Spreading Joy Through the Salvation Army Toy Drive
The holiday season is a special time for giving, and Edgewood Summit residents eagerly participate in the Salvation Army toy drive each year.
By collecting toys for children in need, residents help make the holidays brighter for families throughout Charleston while continuing a tradition of generosity and compassion.
6. Stuffing Thousands of Easter Eggs for Local Celebrations
One of the community’s most unique service projects takes place every spring. Edgewood Summit residents work together to fill thousands of Easter eggs for community Easter events hosted by the cities of Charleston and South Charleston.
In one recent effort, residents helped prepare approximately 20,000 stuffed eggs for local celebrations, bringing smiles to children and families across the area. It’s a fun and meaningful tradition that highlights the spirit of volunteering at Edgewood Summit.
7. Helping Create Memorable Easter Egg Hunts
In addition to preparing stuffed eggs, residents also support Easter egg hunts that bring families together throughout the community.
These events create opportunities for residents to connect with younger generations while contributing to beloved Charleston traditions.
8. Hosting OLLI Programs for Lifelong Learning
Learning doesn’t stop at retirement. Edgewood Summit proudly hosts OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) sessions for residents and other local area seniors.
These educational opportunities encourage personal growth, social engagement, and intellectual enrichment while strengthening connections among seniors throughout the Charleston region.
9. Gathering School Supplies for Students
As the school year approaches, residents organize collections of school supplies for children in need.
Backpacks, notebooks, pencils, and other essentials help local students start the year prepared for success. Through these efforts, Edgewood Summit residents continue investing in the future of Charleston’s young people.
10. Supporting Local Animal Shelters
Residents’ generosity extends to four-legged friends as well. Community members have participated in chili cookouts and fundraising efforts benefiting local animal shelters.
These events help raise awareness and support for animal welfare organizations while bringing residents together for a good cause.
A Community Built on Service
At Edgewood Summit, volunteering is more than an occasional activity — it’s part of everyday life. From supporting children and families to honoring veterans, promoting education, and helping local nonprofits, residents remain deeply connected to Charleston and committed to making a difference.
For those considering life at Edgewood Summit, these service projects offer a glimpse into a vibrant community where seniors continue to lead, serve, and inspire. Through countless hours of volunteering and charitable outreach, residents demonstrate that giving back remains one of the most rewarding ways to stay engaged and connected.
Looking for a senior living community where you can continue doing what matters most? Schedule a tour of Edgewood Summit and see how residents stay connected, involved, and inspired through opportunities to serve, learn, and engage with the Charleston community.