Our voice, your community, their hope
Welcome to The Local Voice. We’re a nonprofit organization passionately dedicated to uplifting our community in Santee, South Carolina, and its surrounding cities by supporting local women fighting breast cancer and families in need. Discover how every voice — including yours — makes a profound difference.
The power of a shared voice
For more than 20 years, Crystal Hartzog, owner of Cedar House Spa, has had a heart for giving back. Long before The Local Voice was created, Crystal organized fundraisers and community events to help people and causes throughout our community.
As a hairstylist, she also spent years listening to women share their breast cancer journeys. Those stories, along with her passion for helping others, inspired the idea that would eventually become The Local Voice.
Working alongside Crystal, Sonya Shoemaker helped take that vision to the next level by establishing The Local Voice as an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit, creating its website, and leading fundraising and community outreach efforts.
The organization was also shaped by the late Dylan Carter, a four-chair turn on The Voice and a beloved member of our community. Dylan used his musical talent and generous spirit to bring people together, helping raise awareness and funds for those facing difficult times. His passion for serving others remains an important part of The Local Voice's story and mission.
At The Local Voice, we believe everyone has a voice. Whether through music, volunteering, donating, or simply helping a neighbor in need, each person has the power to make a difference. Together, we are building a stronger, more compassionate community—one family at a time.
💙 Together, We Make a Difference.
Empowering women in their fight
Our core mission is to support local women undergoing active breast cancer treatment while also helping families in need throughout our community. Through our signature The Local Voice Breast Cancer Fundraiser, inspired by the spirit of "The Voice" and the legacy of co-founder Dylan Carter, local talent takes the stage to raise critical funds for those facing difficult circumstances.
Every dollar raised helps provide direct assistance with essential living expenses, allowing women to focus on healing and recovery. Through additional community fundraisers held throughout the year, The Local Voice also supports local families with Thanksgiving meals, Christmas assistance, hygiene initiatives, and other programs that make a difference close to home.
Extending our reach: nourishing our community
Our compassion reaches far beyond breast cancer support. We are committed to uplifting Santee and the surrounding communities by responding to real, everyday needs.
Whether we're providing Thanksgiving meals to local families, bringing Christmas joy to children, operating our Kindness Closet, delivering hygiene items to nursing home residents, or hosting community events that bring neighbors together, our mission remains the same: to build a community where people feel supported, connected, and cared for.
The Local Voice was founded on the belief that small acts of kindness can make a big difference. Through the generosity of our supporters, volunteers, and community partners, we continue to provide hope and assistance to those who need it most.
💙 Together, We Make a Difference, One Family at a Time.
"The Local Voice embodies the true spirit of community. Their unwavering support for those fighting breast cancer, combined with their broader initiatives, fills me with hope and inspires me to give back."
Sarah Jenkins, Community Supporter