Midlands Orphan Relief

Midlands Orphan Relief meets the basic needs of children in South Carolina who have experienced abuse, abandonment or neglect. We believe every child has value, deserves respect and should be reminded that they matter, especially during life’s hardest moments.

Midlands Orphan Relief is located in West Columbia and was founded in 2021 by Lynn Young, who also launched Lowcountry Orphan Relief in 2003. Lynn served as a guardian ad litem and saw firsthand the challenges children face when they are removed from their homes. Those experiences inspired her to create a way to restore dignity, comfort and hope during times of crisis.

The organization’s Care Kit Program provides these children with clothing, toiletries, school supplies, books and stuffed animals. Each Care Kit is assembled based on a child’s age, size and specific needs. These kits offer more than basic necessities. They provide reassurance and stability during uncertain transitions. In 2025, Midlands Orphan Relief delivered more than 2,000 Care Kits to children ranging from newborn to 18 years old.

Midlands Orphan Relief also serves nearly 50 Title I schools through the Just in Case Closet Program. This program places emergency clothing and hygiene supplies directly inside schools so that students can receive what they need discreetly and immediately. Access to these essentials helps children remain in class and focused on learning.

The organization partners with more than 50 agencies and community organizations, including schools, the Department of Social Services, foster parents and kinship caregivers. These partnerships help ensure that children across the Midlands receive timely and appropriate support.

Testimonials

"Thank you so much! This child was refusing to go to school because she didn't have anything to wear."

"You have no idea how much this means to us. She came with nothing but the clothes on her back."

"We love Midlands Orphan Relief! You guys have been an absolute lifesaver!"

"As a foster parent, MOR is a game-changer! You help these kids get immediate clothes and supplies, which helps tremendously in the transitioning process."

"The people at Midlands Orphan Relief are doing a great thing in the Midlands! They have a wonderful warehouse where you can volunteer and put care kits of clothes together for these children."

"They provide everything for the kids & it's inspiring!"