Community needs

DONATIONS

LOCAL BURLINGTON COAT FACTORY STORES are participating in the Warm Coat & Warm Hearts Drive running through Jan. 15. Gently used outerwear may be dropped off at 302 Bush River Road or 7201/a1-100 Two Notch Road. Donations will be distributed to the needy by Christ Central.

MARTIN LUTHER KING MEMORIAL PLANNING COMMITTEE AND RICHLAND 1 SCHOOLS are teaming up for the Honor the Dream food drive. Nonperishable food items will be accepted at Columbia city parks and district schools through Friday, Dec. 11. All donations will benefit Harvest Hope Food Bank.

SENIOR RESOURCES and Banfield Pet Hospitals are conducting a pet food drive for Meals on Wheels clients. Through December, small unopened cans or bags of dog or cat food may be dropped off at either Banfield location, 246 Harbison Blvd. or 10136 Two Notch Road; or 9 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays at Senor Resources, 2817 Millwood Ave. Fin ancial donations may be made online at www.seniorresources.org Another component of the Season of Suppers partnership is the Pet Pals initiative. With a $20 contribution each month, a donor can provide care for a homebound senior's pet. In addition to pet food, the pet will receive yearly health care. (803) 252-7734, ext. 231.

TRIPP'S COATS FOR KIDS is running through Wednesday, Dec. 16. Gently used coats will be accepted at any Tripp's Fine Cleaners, Hampton Hill Athletic Club, KICKS Exceptional Shoes, Stiver Lincoln-Mercury and Strobler Home Furnishings. The coats will be cleaned and distributed to children in need in the community.

BEACON OF LIGHT THRIFT CENTER is accepting donations of food, toiletries, clothing, books, electronics and furniture 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays at 301 Sunset Drive (Spirit of Truth Christian Church). Store hours are 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays. (803) 771-8933

FRIENDS OF THE LEXINGTON MAIN LIBRARY accepts donations of gently used books, magazines, movies and music for its ongoing book sale. Items may be dropped off at 5440 Augusta Road, Lexington. Tax donation forms available; proceeds help support children's reading programs at the library. Marlena White, (803) 261-8697

VOLUNTEERS

AARP is seeking volunteers to fill positions of coordinator, instructor and marketer for its Driver Safety Program. (803) 781-4726; e-mail acalltome@bellsouth.net

THE AMERICAN RED CROSS OF CENTRAL SOUTH CAROLINA is seeking volunteers in the following areas: administrative, disaster, grants, heroes, philanthropy, public affairs and special events. Volunteer activities include responding to local disasters, writing Red Cross stories, raising money, conducting grant research and placing thank-you calls to monetary donors. Disaster Services Orientation sessions are held 6-9 p.m. the first Monday monthly at 2751 Bull St. For more information, call (803) 540-1217 or go to www.centralscredcross.org.

THE STATE MUSEUM needs volunteer docents to give tours, teach lessons and help in other ways at the museum, 301 Gervais St. Benefits include a discount at the museum store and opportunities to learn about South Carolina's art, natural history, culture, science and technology. (803) 898-4912 or e-mail jennifer.lee@scmuseum.org

ROAD TO RECOVERY is a program that provides cancer patients with transportation to and from treatments. Training is weekly at the American Cancer Society office, 128 Stonemark Lane. Volunteers must have a driver's license, good driving record and a reliable vehicle. Lang Hunt, (803) 750-1693

RELIANT HOSPICE is seeking volunteers to assist its network of caregivers. Volunteers do not need medical experience. Opportunities range from patient companionship and assisting with home improvement projects to running errands and providing patient transportation to doctor visits. Health screening and SLED background check required. Call (803) 798-1102 or go to www.relianthospice.com for training information.

RONALD McDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES OF COLUMBIA is looking for volunteers for the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Palmetto Health Richland Children's Hospital, the Ronald McDonald House and McMeals. (803) 254-0118, ext. 11 or e-mail jkrmhc@bellsouth.net

LEXINGTON COUNTY VOLUNTEER GUARDIAN AD LITEM PROGRAM is seeking people to serve as advocates for children who come into foster care because of abuse or neglect. GAL volunteers work with all agencies involved with the child, including the Department of Social Services, the Family Court, school and counselors. Volunteers must be at least 21, have the desire to work with children, the ability to pass background checks and complete the 30-hour training program. Call (803) 957-6484 or go to www.lexington.scgal.org for an application.

ROLLING READERS, a nonprofit children's literacy program, is seeking volunteers to read aloud or tutor children in reading. Sessions are held at local schools, after-school programs, child development centers, shelters, children's homes and churches. (803) 733-READ or e-mail rollingreaders@sc.rr.com