The BIG News: August 2026



AUGUST FEATURES:
- Congrats Grads!
- Match Highlight Feature
- August Match Anniversaries
- Back to School Season
- August Resources
- Free Eats and Events
- Last Month Recap
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Congrats 2026 Graduates!








Match Highlight: Melquan & Maxwell


When Maxwell first enrolled in the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lowcountry program, his family knew he could benefit from having an additional source of support and guidance. At the time, Maxwell was navigating challenges at school, struggling to make friends, and adjusting to life without the presence of his biological father. His family hoped he would find a positive male role model who could encourage him, support him, and remind him that he was capable of reaching his full potential.
That’s exactly what he found in Mel.
Over the past two years, Maxwell’s growth has been incredible. Once a quiet and reserved child who often kept to himself, Maxwell has grown into a more confident, expressive, and outgoing young man. With Mel’s encouragement and support, Maxwell has excelled academically, discovered a passion for track, and embraced new interests like drawing, building, and anime.
Their relationship has also helped Maxwell navigate some of life’s most difficult moments. When Maxwell experienced the loss of his grandmother, Mel was there to provide support, encouragement, and a steady presence as he worked through his grief. Beyond being a mentor, Mel became someone Maxwell could truly rely on.
The two have also bonded over their shared love of fitness, with Mel encouraging Maxwell to stay active and regularly spending time with him at the gym. From workouts to new experiences, including Maxwell’s first anime convention, Mel has helped create moments where Maxwell feels seen, supported, and understood.
Today, Mel is more than just Maxwell’s Big Brother—he is a valued part of his family. Through their match, Maxwell has gained confidence, discovered new passions, and built a lifelong connection with someone who believes in him.
Thank you to mentors like Mel who show up, invest their time, and help young people like Maxwell realize their potential.
Click here to read more stories like theirs.
Back to School
Back-to-school season is here! As Littles prepare for a new school year, this can be an exciting time filled with new routines, opportunities, and challenges to navigate. In this month’s newsletter, we’re sharing helpful back-to-school tips, upcoming updates, and ways to stay connected with BBBSL throughout the month. We’re excited for all that’s ahead and grateful for the continued support of our Bigs, families, and community. Check out free Back-to-School events at the end of the newsletter!
August Match Anniversaries

Congrats on achieving this amazing milestone!
August Resources
For our August monthly resource, BBBSL is focusing on ‘Tips & Strategies for Supporting Academics’ in recognition of the back-to-school season. The resource will be designed for both guardians and Bigs and will provide practical ways to support youth throughout the school year.
If you have any questions, please reach out to your Match Support Coordinator, Dana or Avery.
BBBSL encourages our matches to focus on free or low-cost activities, and we aim to provide ONE FREE monthly activity for matches. Capacity at these events is limited, so we encourage Bigs to sign up as soon as their Littles confirm they can attend!

Kendra Scott Giveback with
Miss South Carolina

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Kendra Scott Giveback Event in celebration of mentorship! It was a wonderful evening of community, connection, and support for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lowcountry.
We were especially excited to celebrate Lindsay Jones, the newly crowned Miss South Carolina, as she begins representing our state.
Thank you to Kendra Scott and everyone who shopped in support of our mission to create and sustain life-changing mentoring relationships for local youth
Celebrating July Observances
Back-to-School Season
As students prepare for a new school year, it’s a great time to encourage confidence, set new goals, and ensure young people have the support and resources they need to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
International Youth Day (August 12th)
A day to recognize the voices, potential, and contributions of young people around the world. It’s an opportunity to celebrate youth leadership and the positive impact mentorship has in preparing them for a successful future.
National Black Business Month (all month)
A time to recognize and support Black-owned businesses while celebrating the entrepreneurs and community leaders who help strengthen our neighborhoods and create opportunities for future generations.
National Friendship Day (August 8th)
A celebration of the meaningful relationships that enrich our lives. Mentorship is built on friendship, trust, and consistency, creating connections that help young people grow with confidence.
National Wellness Month (all month)
An opportunity to prioritize physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Encouraging healthy habits and self-care helps youth and families build resilience and thrive both in and out of school.
Free & Low-Cost Events/Eats

Music in the Parks: Free | August 13th, 5:30 p.m | Features food trucks and free King of Pops for the first 250 kids.

Secrets of the Sea – An evening of food, science, art and community! Free | Monday, August 3rd | 5-8PM | DNR Outdoor Classroom

8th Annual Pack The Back-Back to School Event: Free to all school aged children in the Tr-County Area(Charleston, Berkeley& Dorchester) | Friday, August 7, 4:30 PM – 8 PM | Back to School Event in Partnership with Flight Adventure Park and Elite Tax Group

Liberty Hill Back-to-School Rally: Free | August 9th, 2-5pm | Haircuts, hairstyles, book bags and supplies, music, food, giveaways
Kids Eat Free: **w/ purchase of adult meal
- **The Co-Op (all Charleston locations) – Free kids’ sandwich with adult sandwich or salad. Mondays all day.
- **Ruby Tuesday (1953 Savannah Hwy, Charleston, SC 29407): Tuesdays only after 5 pm.
- **East Bay Deli (all Charleston locations): Monday-Thursday from 4 pm to close.
- **Sesame Burgers & Beer (all Charleston locations): Sundays from 4 pm to close.
- **Poogan’s Southern Kitchen (101 Nexton Square Drive, Summerville, SC 29486): Tuesdays from 3-9 pm only.
- **Moe’s Southwest Grill (all Charleston locations): Sunday’s all day.
- **Bodega (14 W Coleman Blvd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464): Thursday’s all day.
- **Melvin’s BBQ (all Charleston locations): Fridays from 4 pm-8:30 pm.