Give Big, Get Gig Holiday Drive Generates Over 5 Tons of Food Donations

Abbeville, S.C. — West Carolina and Upcountry Fiber (its upstate brand partnership with Blue Ridge Electric) asked their customers and members to give big again this November. Not only did our communities respond, but they exceeded last year’s efforts, donating more than 5 tons of food to local food pantries. 

The third-annual “Give Big, Get Gig” initiative invited customers to donate at least three nonperishable food items to support area food pantries. In exchange, participating customers received a complimentary speed boost to the premier 1-Gigabit speed tier for the month of December. 

“We are beyond blessed by the generosity of our customers and employees,” said Jeff Wilson, CEO of West Carolina. “Seeing all the abundant displays of food across our offices was so gratifying. People stepped up in a major way to help their neighbors.” 

This year’s campaign saw even greater participation thanks to the addition of Upcountry Fiber’s new office in Seneca, S.C. Food donations were collected throughout November at West Carolina and Upcountry Fiber offices, with a total of 645 customers participating. The donations were distributed to local food pantries in the first two weeks of December. 

Supported pantries included: 

• UCMAC, Abbeville 

• Food Bank of Greenwood County 

• Greenwood Veteran’s Center 

• Iva Food Bank 

• McCormick Helping Hands 

• Newberry Living Hope Center 

• Golden Corner Food Pantry, Seneca 

• The Storehouse, Easley 

“Participating customers are enjoying our faster speeds this month as a token of our gratitude for their generosity,” Wilson said. “December is a busy time for internet use, with families hosting gatherings, streaming holiday favorites, and setting up new tech. This speed boost ensures our customers can enjoy the season while knowing they’ve made a real difference in their communities. It’s a win for everyone.”