AMBER HEWITT
Volunteering from the Heart
story by NAKEISHA DAWSON-THOMPSON photos by JOHN WOLLWERTH
Amber Hewitt is no stranger to being a servant. Her life’s work and her purpose are an embodiment of servanthood. Originally from a small town in Ohio, she has been a Beaufort resident since 2007. Amber and her husband, Robert, moved to Beaufort after she accepted a position at The Salvation Army, where she worked for many years in several capacities. The couple shares five children and three grandchildren.
Amber endured great tragedy and trauma in her childhood and adult life that influenced many decisions she would have to make. Growing up in an unstable and abusive home, Amber was determined not to allow her past to define her future. Amber is a domestic violence survivor, escaping an abusive first marriage after her life was in danger. Amber uses all of the good, bad, and ugly experiences she has overcome to help others rather than allow them to be a crutch in her life. She made the tough decision to change her destiny and use that past trauma to support and assist others in need. Amber is passionate about advocating for people. Her life’s mission is to “help others.” That help presents itself in many areas of service that she so selflessly provides.
In 2018, Amber and her husband experienced the tragic loss of their daughter and grandson, who were murdered at the hands of her boyfriend. Amber expresses that 2018 was the worst year of their lives, as they unexpectedly lost several loved ones. Amber and Robert began fighting for changes in laws about domestic violence victims and their families. On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. During one year, this equates to more than 10 million women and men, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV). Community awareness and education surrounding domestic violence and how to seek help continue to be at the forefront of Amber’s servanthood and outreach efforts. Amber so lovingly expressed, “I couldn’t do any of this without Robert’s support. And it’s important that he and I work together on this.”
Amber is no stranger to putting her feet to the ground and doing the difficult work of serving in the form of outreach in Beaufort County. If there’s a need, and she can volunteer her time, talent, or treasure, that’s exactly what she does. Amber is a leader in so many facets of life. She believes in giving back to the community and being a voice for those who may have no say. Her volunteer work and community service speak volumes about the woman, mother, wife, and human being Amber Hewitt is. She is a gem and a brightly shining star to many — a reminder of hope and victory to women and men alike.
Amber has extensive experience serving on boards, working with nonprofits, and providing her talents and time. She is a member of the Zonta Club of Beaufort, chairperson for the Status of Women Committee, attends the Lowcountry Human Trafficking Task Force meetings, and helps to bring awareness to the issues of human trafficking. Amber has served several years as the Beaufort Toys for Tots coordinator and Beaufort’s Holiday Hero, providing a special Christmas for many families in need. She is a 2022 graduate of Leadership Beaufort. Amber has also participated in and served on the following: CAPA’s Ghost Tours, HELP of Beaufort, Friends of Hunting Island, The Salvation Army Bell Ringing, Lowcountry Habitat Turkey Trot, Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce Ambassador, The Town of Port Royal OktoPRfest and Softshell Festival, Praise Assembly’s Night to Shine, Beaufort Charities Oyster Roast, Fripp Island’s Resort and Pledge the Pink (Guinness Book of Record’s winner for the Longest Line of Garden Flamingos in a Row), Wreaths Across America Beaufort, The Link Church, The Giving Thanksgiving Meals, United Way of the Lowcountry Day of Caring, A Point in Time Homeless Count, Stand Alone Marine Project, Walk for Water, Beaufort-Jasper Long-Term Recovery Group, The Salvation Army Disaster Team, and the annual Beaufort Water Festival.
She was also a member of the 2022 Santa Squad (working with others to help coordinate and provide over 275 Christmas Miracles in the community) and provided photos with Santa at several local functions with Beaufort Chalkboard as Santa and Mrs. Claus. She volunteered with others as the Sanderson Sisters for several Trunk-or-Treat events hosted by the Kaotic Car Club and Bikers Against Bullies.
Amber Hewitt continues to meet the needs of people who need one thing or another. She does not see her service or volunteer work as anything other than pouring love and support onto those in need. She desires to serve the community with her heart and hands, hoping that she might offer a ray of hope to the hopeless. She also works beside her son in his cleaning business, Top Clean, serving Fripp Island, Beaufort, Port Royal, and Habersham. Top Clean’s mission is to provide a “cleaning service with a conscience.” Top Clean is a veteran-owned business that prides itself on using only 100% eco-friendly products. You can reach out to their team for your cleaning needs. Their contact information is (843) 929-1718 or topcleanteamllc@gmail.com.
Amber loves to be in nature. She loves to go camping with her family. She is very passionate about photography and enjoys using her photography skills by volunteering for nonprofit events often. She learned that she has a great eye behind the camera, and her work speaks for itself. You can find many beautiful, meaningful photos of events, nature, and her family on her social media platform. When you love what you do, it truly is not work at all.
