South Carolina: Church to Raise HIV/AIDS Awareness at Anniversary of Garden

The Victory Tabernacle Church's Serenity Garden for people coping with HIV/AIDS will celebrate its fifth anniversary on May 17.

The garden is a collaboration among the church, its "A Family Affair" group for those affected by the disease and the Orangeburg-based Minority AIDS Council. Situated behind the church, the garden's four acres feature flowers, hanging baskets, a water display, and benches.

During the program Thursday, a reading of names will be held to honor those who have lost their lives to HIV/AIDS. "Since this past year, we've had two members of 'A Family Affair' pass away," said group member Pat Kelly. "It's going to be a time of remembering them, and how much they gave to keeping the group going and being active in the things that we've done in the community."

"Our speakers are going to be the faces of HIV," Kelly said. "This will give the community an opportunity to see people just like them who are living with this disease. They're going to talk about how HIV has impacted their lives and how the community can help in ending this epidemic."

The church is located at 681 Broughton St. in Orangeburg. The event begins at 6:30 p.m.

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