CHECK

CHECK is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children, individuals with special needs, and the elderly in eight underserved rural communities in South Carolina: Cross, Eadytown, Pineville, St. Stephen, Pringletown, Ridgeville, Eutawville, and Holly Hill. Through mentoring, education, and compassionate service, we strive to uplift and empower those often overlooked. Contact us to support our efforts with a small donation—every gift makes a difference.

We truly appreciate your support!

About Us

Our History

CHECK (Communities Helping to Encourage Change in Kids) was founded in 1997 by Theresa S. Prioleau as a non-profit, action-oriented organization serving eight rural communities: Cross, Eadytown, Pineville, St. Stephens, Pringletown, Ridgeville, Eutawville, and Holly Hill, South Carolina. Established to create positive opportunities for children and families with limited resources, CHECK has become a trusted community partner. Beyond annual events, CHECK collaborates with businesses, agencies, and community leaders to provide scholarships, mentorship, enrichment programs, and vital resources. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, CHECK remains committed to empowering youth, strengthening families, and fostering unity while continuing its lasting legacy of service. Through community-driven efforts, we strive to build a brighter future for all those we serve.

Our Mission

CHECK is committed to uplifting underserved and rural communities through inclusive, intergenerational programs that promote unity, education, and positive change. Our initiatives include Kids’ Day, Love & Acceptance of Autism & Special Needs CommUNITY, CHECK Cares for Our Elderly & CommUNITY, and our Cross CommUNITY Cultural Arts Youth Celebration, which showcases youth creativity and cultural pride. Guided by the CHECKMATES Youth Auxiliary, our young leaders help drive service, support, and connection across the community. Through strong partnerships, compassion, and shared responsibility, CHECK strengthens families, empowers youth, and builds a more connected CommUNITY. As we expand our outreach, we remain focused on breaking barriers and improving access to essential resources so more residents can thrive.

Annual Kids' Day

For over 29 years, our Annual Kids’ Day has been a free, family-focused event serving children and families across several rural South Carolina communities with limited access to vital resources. The 29th Annual Kids’ Day 2026 & Fire Safety Initiative, to be held on August 19, 2026, at Cross High School in Cross, SC, continues as the area’s largest and longest-running community gathering, bringing together more than 400 participants and nearly 100 partner organizations and businesses to provide free meals, health screenings, school supplies, community resources, and engaging activities. This year’s Fire Safety Initiative is dedicated to the loving memory of the Smith Twins, Dae Nedjai and Dae Jaria, and we are seeking donations to help provide 250 homes with a free smoke detector and/or fire extinguisher to promote fire prevention and save lives. As community needs continue to grow due to economic hardships and limited access to services, Kids’ Day helps bridge gaps by offering tools for safety, health, education, and career and college readiness while fostering connection, encouragement, and belonging. By empowering families and nurturing children, Kids’ Day reflects CHECK’s commitment to building brighter, safer, and more resilient futures in underserved communities and stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and shared community investment.

29th Annual Kids' Day 2026 Registration Form

Annual Tyriq's Day

Our Annual Tyriq’s Day of Love & Acceptance of Autism & Special Needs CommUNITY Parade & Fun Day is a heartfelt celebration dedicated to individuals with autism and special needs, as well as their families, caregivers, and supporters. The 3rd Annual event was held on April 4, 2026, at Spiers Landing in Cross, South Carolina, where hundreds gathered for a day of love, acceptance, inclusion, and community engagement. Through the generous support of the South Carolina Arts Commission, CHECK was fortunate to provide 10 interactive sensory stations that offered hands-on arts, sensory, and creative experiences tailored to meet the diverse needs of participants. Named in honor of Tyriq Reid, the nonverbal son of CHECK’s CEO and Founder, Theresa S. Prioleau, who has profound autism, the event was created to raise awareness and promote understanding, acceptance, and inclusion for individuals of all abilities. With strong support from local businesses, churches, organizations, and service agencies, the event helps connect families with valuable resources while strengthening relationships among advocates, providers, and the community. More than a fun-filled day, Tyriq’s Day is a powerful expression of compassion and the belief that every individual deserves to be valued, celebrated, and included. We love our impact on the Autism & Special Needs CommUNITY.

3rd Annual Tyriq's Day of Love & Acceptance Video

Love & Acceptance CommUNITY

Love & Acceptance of Autism & Special Needs CommUNITY is a Facebook support group for mothers, caregivers, family members, and supporters of autistic and special needs children, youth, and adults throughout our rural communities. This welcoming network provides emotional support, advocacy, shared experiences, and access to valuable resources that help families navigate their journeys while building meaningful connections. Through monthly virtual meetings, members engage with representatives and experts from agencies such as the South Carolina Department of Education Office of Special Education Services, The Arc of South Carolina, the South Carolina Department of Disabilities & Special Needs, Disability Rights South Carolina, the Family Resource Center for Disabilities and Special Needs, and many others. The group also hosts activities and events throughout the year, including the Annual Tyriq’s Day of Love & Acceptance of Autism & Special Needs CommUNITY Parade & Fun Day and the Special Needs Sneaker Ball. Together, these efforts have positively impacted hundreds of individuals and families by increasing awareness, strengthening advocacy, reducing isolation, and promoting love, acceptance, and inclusion for individuals of all abilities.

Join Our Monthly 4th Sunday Zoom Meeting @ 7pm

Annual Mental Health Symposium

Our Annual Mental Health Symposium: You Are Not Alone is a vital community event dedicated to increasing mental health awareness, education, and support throughout our rural communities. The 2nd Annual Symposium was held on May 19, 2026, at the Cross Community Center in Cross, South Carolina, and featured special guest Tessa Spencer, News Anchor at ABC News 4 and radio personality on Magic 107.3, along with a panel of mental health professionals and community advocates who shared valuable insights, resources, and personal experiences. By providing a safe and welcoming space for open dialogue, the symposium helped reduce stigma, encouraged meaningful conversations about mental health, and connected individuals and families with essential services and support systems. The event empowered attendees with knowledge and tools for early intervention and long-term wellness while fostering greater understanding, compassion, and hope. As part of CHECK’s ongoing commitment to serving youth, families, individuals with special needs, and underserved populations, the symposium continues to strengthen community resilience and reinforce the message that no one should face mental health challenges alone.

2nd Annual Mental Health Symposium 2026 Video

Annual Sneaker Ball

Love & Acceptance of Autism & Special Needs CommUNITY is proud to partner with Unity Bay to host the 2nd Annual Special Needs Sneaker Ball on June 13, 2026, at the Cross Community Center in Cross, South Carolina. Following the tremendous success of our inaugural event, which brought together individuals with special needs, their families, caregivers, and supporters for an evening of fun, fellowship, and celebration, this year's event promises to be even more impactful. This FREE, inclusive celebration provides a safe and welcoming space where individuals of all abilities can enjoy music, dancing, social interaction, and community connection while feeling valued, accepted, and celebrated. Through this partnership, we continue to raise awareness, promote inclusion, reduce social isolation, and create meaningful opportunities for hundreds of individuals and families to build lasting relationships and a stronger sense of belonging. Together, we are helping to build a more compassionate and united community—one sneaker at a time.

1st Annual Sneaker Ball 2025 Video

CommUNITY Youth Cultural Celebration

The Cross CommUNITY Youth Cultural Celebration is a family-oriented event that celebrates the talents, creativity, and cultural heritage of youth from rural Berkeley County, South Carolina. The 1st Annual event was held on February 8, 2026, at Spiers Landing in Cross, South Carolina. Through the generous support of a grant from the South Carolina Arts Commission, CHECK was fortunate to provide eight interactive arts and crafts stations that offered hands-on experiences in creativity and cultural expression. Featuring music, dance, visual arts, spoken word, and activities highlighting African and African American arts and history, the event empowered youth to showcase their talents, connect with mentors and positive role models, and gain a deeper appreciation for their heritage. The celebration positively impacted hundreds of attendees by strengthening community bonds, increasing access to arts experiences in an underserved rural area, and inspiring the next generation of leaders, artists, and changemakers. We love supporting the CommUNITY through the arts.

1st Annual Cross CommUNITY Youth Cultural Arts Video

CHECK Cares For Our Elderly

CHECK Cares Our Elderly is an initiative designed to uplift and support older adults by fostering connection, compassion, and community involvement. Inspired by our recent First Annual Grandparents’ Day Celebration, where youth invited their grandparents for an afternoon filled with love, joy, and togetherness, we continue to strengthen meaningful intergenerational bonds. As we continue to launch this initiative, our youth were ready to lead with compassion through our Elder Holiday Basket Giveaway, where they personally deliver holiday baskets, crafts and carol to seniors in our community. Through ongoing activities, resources, and outreach, CHECK Cares will promote dignity, respect, and inclusion for older adults. Our work remains grounded in love, service, and a commitment to creating lasting, positive impact.

1st Annual Elderly Holiday Basket Giveaway 2025 Video

CHECK Cares For Our CommUNITY

CHECK Cares for Our CommUNITY is a growing initiative dedicated to meeting essential needs and uplifting families through compassionate, community-centered support. This effort includes food drives, prepared meal distributions, care packages, hygiene kits, and family support that strengthen well-being. Inspired by our recent 1st Annual Drive Thru Thanksgiving Meal & Giveaway—which served hundreds and embodied our motto, “Serving thanks and love, one plate at a time”—we are expanding our outreach to ensure no child, senior, or family feels forgotten. Through consistent service, strong partnerships, and the leadership of our youth and volunteers, CHECK Cares for Our CommUNITY continues to provide relief, restore hope, and build meaningful connections throughout the year.

1st Annual Thanksgiving Meal & Giveaway 2025 Video

CHECKMATES Youth Program

Our CHECKMATES Youth Program—CHECKS Making Achievements To Educate Students—empowers young people through leadership, mentorship, academic support, life skills training, and community engagement. In addition to helping youth overcome social, economic, and educational challenges, the program offers meaningful service-learning opportunities that benefit rural communities, individuals with special needs, and the elderly. Through partnerships with schools, families, and local organizations, CHECKMATES builds confidence, leadership skills, and pathways to future success while fostering a spirit of compassion and community service.

CHECKMATES Youth Program-Spring 2026 Video

Cell: 843-214-1160

Business: 843-753-7045

Email: theresap2@homesc.com

Address: 760 Ann Lane Cross, SC 29436

Page updated

Report abuse