Moving Our Community Forward

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Joins Trucks N' Treats Even Hosted by Junior League of Florence

Florence, October 26, 2024 - TWO MEN AND A TRUCK is excited to announce its participation in this year's Trucks N' Treats event, hosted by the Junior League of Florence. The event offers children of all ages the opportunity to explore a variety of vehicles in a fun and safe environment.

Trucks N' Treats is a beloved community event that not only showcases different types of vehicles but also provides a unique interactive experience for kids and their families. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK is thrilled to be part of this year's festivities and looks forward to engaging with the community in a meaningful way.

"We are delighted to be a part of Trucks N' Treats and to have the opportunity to interact with the children and families in our community," said Amber Kelly, Marketing Director at TWO MEN AND A TRUCK. "We believe in giving back to the community and fostering a sense of joy and excitement among children. We can't wait to see the smiles on their faces as the explore our truck."

The event took place on October 26, 2024 at the Darlington Raceway and was a huge success. Families enjoyed a day filled with exploration, fun activities, and treats. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK encouraged everyone to stop by, say hello, explore our moving truck, and learn more about our services and commitment to the local community. 

We would like to thank the Junior League of Florence for hosting this unique event and allowing us to share in the experience. We look forward to next year and continuing to inspire future drivers and movers for TWO MEN AND A TRUCK! 

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® TO COLLECT ESSENTIAL CARE ITEMS FOR FOOD FOR THE SOUL WOMEN'S SHELTER AHEAD OF MOTHER'S DAY

Community-supported drive aims to collect 3,250 essential items for Women in need.

While Mother’s Day is typically a joyous day for women across the country, that may not be the case for every mom. This holiday may be overlooked due to finances, personal struggles, or living situations where they’re relying on the support of shelters or other organizations due to homelessness or domestic abuse.

To ensure moms in need receive the love and appreciation they deserve this Mother’s Day, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Camden, Florence, & Orangeburg are hosting its annual Movers for Moms® campaign to provide essential care items to women receiving assistance at Food for the Soul Women’s Shelter. 

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 10 million people a year experience domestic violence and 20,000 calls a day are placed to domestic violence hotlines. Statics from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence also state that one in four women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime.

Stay tuned for more information on how you can help Moms in need today, and take a look over the wish list to start thinking of donation ideas! 

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Florence Donates More than 500 Items to Florence Area Humane Society through Movers for Mutts® Campaign
Local moving company wraps up its annual Movers for Mutts campaign and donates essential pet care items to animals in need.

Florence, South Carolina, November 11, 2024 – Giving back to the community is one of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®’s core values, and this fall, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Florence held its annual Movers for Mutts campaign to collect essential items for animals waiting for their forever homes at Florence Area Humane Society. According to the ASPCA, approximately 6.3 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide every year.

The Florence moving company wanted to do something to help the many fury-friends in need within the community and did so by running a month-long Movers for Mutts campaign, where TWO MEN AND A TRUCK teamed up with local businesses in the community to collect donations. With much support from the community, more than 500 items were collected and donated to Florence Area Humane Society. From pet food, treats, toys, and cleaning supplies, it was a team effort with local schools, businesses, and organizations such as Apple Annies-Deli + Pub, Birdsnest-Eats + Ales, Beyond Therapy-Bar + Grill, Hewitt Animal Hospital, Florence Animal Hospital, Micky Finn’s-5 Points, PetSmart, The Pawsitive Place-Dog Spa, and Woofers who helped encourage community members to fill up boxes with donations.

 “The HUGE amount of food, treats, blankets, towels, toys, cat litter, and cleaning supplies that were donated during the Movers for Mutts campaign are beyond a blessing for our animals! We currently have over 300 cats and dogs in our care. We are very thankful for the kindness and compassion of Two Men And A Truck AND the Florence community for supporting the homeless and neglected pets of Florence as we work to find them loving homes," says Jayne Boswell, Florence Area Humane Society President.

"Thank you to everyone who supported our Movers for Mutts campaign! Your generosity has made a pawsitive impact not only for the Florence Area Humane Society, but our community as a whole. We are thrilled to donate the essential items and play a part in supporting our four-legged friends in need. Together, we have shown that small acts of kindness can make a big difference. Let’s continue spreading love and care for all creatures, one move at a time,” says Amber Kelly, Two Men And A Truck Florence’s Marketing Director.

We want to thank everyone for their support in helping make this campaign successful, but more than that making a difference in the life of and adoptable pet.

For additional information about Movers for Mutts, visit twomenandatruck.com/community-service.
 

FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA, September 18, 2024 — According to the ASPCA, approximately 6.3 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide every year. To support those animals in need while they wait to find their forever homes, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK FLORENCE is running its annual Movers for Mutts® collection drive to benefit the Florence Area Humane Society. For many people, pets are considered an important part of their family, and according to the ASPCA about 44% of all households in the United States have a dog while 35% have a cat at home. But with about 6.3 million companion animals entering U.S. animal shelters throughout the United States every year, and 4.1 million shelter animals being adopted each year, many pets living in animal shelters could use the community’s support in securing adequate amounts of food, toys, and everyday living essentials.

This year, our local TWO MEN AND A TRUCK is partnering with local organizations, schools, and businesses to benefit the Florence Area Humane Society. These community partners will serve as drop-off points for the collection of essential pet items. Two Men And A Truck will then pick-up all items and deliver them to the Florence Area Humane Society.

The Florence Area Humane Society has served the homeless animals of the Florence area since 1974 and seeks to provide safe and clean shelter, appropriate food, and medical care for these animals while they wait to be adopted into loving homes. Many of them require veterinary care and rehabilitation, and most are suffering from injuries or neglect. The mission of FAHS is to find loving homes for the animals that come in our doors. Our slogan is “Every Animal. Every Life. Every Day.”

We are thankful to partner with TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® in their Movers for Mutts® campaign. “We are extremely excited to be a part of the nationwide Movers for Mutts® campaign to collect food and supplies for the homeless and neglected animals served by the Florence Area Humane Society,” says Jayne Boswell, President. “This is a campaign from the heart that will provide our
animals in the shelter and in our outreach locations with the essentials they need to become healthy happy pets!”

“Through the Movers for Mutts® campaign, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Florence is not only moving boxes, but also moving hearts by making a tangible difference in the lives of shelter animals.
Together, we are proving that every small act of kindness can create a ripple effect of compassion and hope for our furry friends in need,” says Amber Kelly, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Florence’s Marketing Director.

This fall marks the first year the Florence location has run the Movers for Mutts® campaign and we are excited to start off strong. With our participation this year, we hope to exceed expectations and collect 3,000 items for the Florence Area Humane Society.

Movers for Mutts® is one of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK’s branded fall campaigns, and in 2023, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK locations across the country collected more than 39,000 items and over 7,000 pounds of pet food for animal shelters.

Collection sites:
Two Men And A Truck – Florence:1229 Broughton Blvd., Florence, SC 29501
The Pawsitive Place – Dog Spa:1446-B Floyd Circle, Florence, SC 29501
Birdsnest - Eats + Ales: 166 S Dargan Street, Florence, SC 29501
Apple Annies – Deli + Pub: 1720 W Palmetto Street, Florence, SC 29501
Micky Finn’s - 5 Points: 194 S Cashua Drive, Florence, SC 29501
Beyond Therapy – Bar + Grill: 2209 2nd Loop Road, Florence, SC 29501
Tractor Supply – Florence: 2590 S Irby Street, Florence, SC 29505
Hewitt Animal Hospital: 1080 Old Ebenezer Road, Florence, SC 29501
Woofers Pet: 2115 W Jody Road, Florence, SC 29501
PetSmart: 2887 David H. McLeod Blvd., Florence, SC 29501
 

Necessary items for donation include:
Cat & kitten wet and dry food (Purina)
Dog & puppy wet and dry food (Purina & Pedigree)
Kitten Milk replacement
Cat litter
Dog & cat treats
Peanut butter (for filling Kongs)
Supplies
Puppy pads
Paper towels
Dawn dish detergent
Laundry detergent
Bleach
Towels
Blankets
Gift cards to Petsmart, Petco, Walmart, Target, Tractor supply
Monetary donations for medical/veterinary costs

For additional information about Movers for Mutts, visit twomenandatruck.com/movers/sc/florence/community

Every spring, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® as a whole runs this program to help collect essential care items from their communities. Movers for Moms® was founded in 2008 and over 300 franchises participate every year. This year, we are looking forward to partnering with our community to collect these items and then deliver them to a local woman's/family shelter for Mother's Day. 

Update: Our 2024 Movers for Moms® campaign was a huge success. We not only met but exceeded our collection goal! The TWO MEN AND A TRUCK team collected right at 2,500 items for donation. All items were then packaged and dispersed to Moms in need across our community. 

We are thankful to those of you who donated and look forward to reaching an even larger goal next year!  

Our 2024 Truckload of Warmth® was a huge success. We exceeded our goal of collecting 1,000 items for donation! Of these items, most were distributed through a local Parking Lot Ministry and the rest were split between other organizations in the community. Some of these included a local boys’ home, Pee Dee Coalition, Food for the Soul and more.  

We are thankful to those in our community who donated to this cause, and especially thankful to our collection sponsors. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Florence looks forward to next year's campaign and hope to collect even more items for those in need.  

Start Date:

January 3rd, 2024

End Date:

January 27th, 2024

Details:

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, Florence, SC proudly announces our annual Truckload of Warmth® collection drive. We continue to live the core value of giving back to the community through Providing warm clothes to those in need. Each year we call on our community to donate new or gently used winter gear like hats, gloves, jackets, scarves, and more to our cause which is then donated to a local shelter in the area. We partner with local schools, businesses, churches, and organizations to collect as many donations as possible.

Drop-off locations will be listed on our Facebook page.

Quick Tips for First-Time Home Buyers 

Recently, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Florence hosted a workshop for First-Time home buyers. This event was created to give an up-close look into the process of purchasing a home. John Nexsen, a local Residential Lending Specialist at First Reliance bank, led the workshop outlining his top 5 tips for First-Time home buyers. 

1. Get pre-approved first. 
2. Determine what you can realistically afford. 
3. Prioritize needs over wants. 
4. Work with an experienced agent. 
5. Don’t forget the home inspection. 

Nexsen suggests that as you consider your options, use these five tips to guide you through the process. We know that buying your first home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make. It can be exciting, but also overwhelming, especially in today’s competitive real estate market. 

This event's purpose was to help you mitigate risks and overcome potential market challenges, using these approaches. We know that buying your first home takes patience and preparation, and we want you to have the knowledge to navigate through the process. 

Our team values the community we serve and hope to continue hosting workshops like these to build lasting relationships. Don’t forget when you do find your dream home, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Florence is here for all your packing, moving and storage needs! 

Pee Dee Coalition’s vision is that “through the efforts of Pee Dee Coalition in its entirety, the region will be a safe, more compassionate community.”

Through our Movers for Mom’s campaign, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® has worked closely with Pee Dee Coalition and has seen the good this dedicated organization has done, and continues to do, for families in our area. 

Pee Dee Coalition provides services to domestic violence and sexual assault victims regardless of race, age, color, national origin, sex, disability,or religion. Pee Dee Coalition’s shelters are a beacon of hope for individuals seeking refuge and support in the face of domestic violence and sexual abuse.  Their shelters provide a safe haven and a place for healing, rehabilitation, and empowerment.  The Emergency Safe Shelter provides temporary shelter for women and children in immediate danger of family violence.  The New Beginnings Transitional Shelter provides long-term shelter for women and children survivors of abuse that are now homeless.  Here, survivors are not only given a second chance but are provided with the tools and resources needed to start anew and rebuild their lives with strength and resilience.  Pee Dee Coalition also provides Community services such as training, education, and prevention programs to break the cycle of violence and reduce the risk of victimization.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK is dedicated to MOVING PEOPLE FORWARD® and has committed to assisting Pee Dee Coalition by helping the women in their shelters move forward as they take their next step in life. Once an individual is ready to step out on their own, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, together with other members of the community, provides furniture, household items, and other essentials for their new home. 

If you would like to help, you can also visit the organization’s website to view more information and a list of items they currently need at www.peedeecoalition.org(opens in a new window).  Or next time you move, let Two Men And A Truck take any unwanted furniture in good condition or other donations back to our warehouse.  We hold these items until Pee Dee Coalition reaches out to let us know they have a woman transitioning into her new home.  We then pull what’s needed or what we can offer and deliver these items to the woman’s new home. 

“Two Men And A Truck is always so helpful assisting our women and children.  Without this support, our women could not enjoy an easy transition to freedom in their own home.  Movers for Mom makes the process easy and painless for our clients.  Two Men And A Truck and the entire team is exceptional. A+ Thank you all for making a difference in the lives of the clients we serve.” Shonette Dargan Richardson, Program Director for Pee Dee Coalition

If you or someone you know is in a bad situation, please reach out to Pee Dee Coalition and let them empower you to make a change.  They are available 24/7 through their Crisis Line at
843-669-4600 or 1-800-273-1820.

Seasonal Home Buying: Pros and Cons 

Getting the best deal on your next property might just come down to timing. Seasonality can have a significant effect on pricing and competition, which means when you buy can impact your entire experience. Certain time of year offer more inventory to choose from, while others can present more opportunities to negotiate for better terms. Here's a quick guide to help you plan for the pros and cons of house shopping during different seasons.

Spring and Summer

Considered peak seasons in the housing market, the spring and summer months are when we typically see inventory skyrocket, giving you a wider selection of homes to choose from. If you have children, moving during the summer can make it easier to work around school schedules, especially if you're enrolling in a new district.

The pleasant weather also makes it easier to attend open houses and gives you an opportunity to survey the landscaping. However, sellers may be less likely o negotiate on price and contingencies during this time due to increased competition from other buyers. Partner with a reputable real estate agent to give yourself an edge if you decide to purchase during spring or summer.

Fall and Winter

When things cool down during the off-season, so does the housing market. You'll have less competition during this period, giving you more leverage when it comes to negotiations. Sellers are often more motivated to wrap things up quickly in the fall and winter, which can lead to potential price reductions.

While surveying the property may be a challenge if it snows in your area, winter tours can reveal property issues such as poor insulation and heating inefficiencies you would otherwise be unaware of. Of course, moving during the holidays or in poor weather conditions can be inconvenient. There are also typically fewer homes on the market during these months, so keep in mind your options may be limited.

Regardless of what time of year you're shopping for a home, being aware of seasonal trends and market changes can help you negotiate a better deal. When you find the perfect fit, make sure to research the property values of other houses in the area and work with an inspector to uncover potential issues. This information can help you put together a competitive offer that land your dream home.

This information was provided by Mr. John Nexsen of First Reliance Mortgage who is a Residential Lending Specialist.

Sources: Lowermybills.com, Therobellermanteam.com, Investopedia.com