GOOD NEIGHBORS
RICHLAND COUNTY’S APPEARANCE COMMISSION is accepting applications for its Appearance Counts contest. The contest recognizes the beautification, landscaping and revitalization efforts of county residents as well as the work of community and faith-based organizations. Categories include front yard beautification, edible gardens, rain gardens and other sustainable efforts. The deadline to enter is Wednesday. (803) 576-2065
KEEP THE MIDLANDS BEAUTIFUL will be conducting a cleanup behind the bingo parlor off Decker Boulevard (between Trenholm Road Extension and Two Notch Road) from 9 a.m.-noon on Saturday. The site is a good fit for all ages because little ones can pick up trash in the parking lot and bigger kids/adults can climb down into the floodplain of Little Jackson Creek and pick up trash there. A waiver (available onsite) is required for all volunteers. A parent or guardian must sign a waiver for all volunteers younger than 18. Unaccompanied youths must be age 14 or older; an adult must stay on site to supervise any youth group of three or more. Trash bags and gloves will be provided; wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and dress for the weather (bring work gloves if you have them). (803) 733-1139
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VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE program provides free state and federal tax preparation services to moderate- to lower-income families who earn less than $50,000 a year. Individuals may also be pre-screened to see if they qualify for programs such as SNAP, TANF and Medicaid. Sites are open through April 18 in Richland, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg and Fairfield counties. For information on qualifications and times/locations, call 211 or go to www.uway.org.
VOLUNTEERS
HISTORIC COLUMBIA FOUNDATION has scheduled its first volunteer training class of the year for Mondays through April 30 (except for Feb. 20 and April 2). Sessions begin at 10 a.m. and last for about 90 minutes (if you didn’t make the Feb. 13 session, you may pick up training on Feb. 27). Volunteers are asked to donate at least six hours a month towards the foundation’s mission to nurture, support and protect the historical and cultural heritage of Columbia and its environs. (803) 252-1770, ext. 24 or email aposner@historiccolumbia.org
BIRTHRIGHT OF COLUMBIA, a pro-life emergency pregnancy service, will hold training for office volunteers at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Feb. 21 through March 6 at 1405 Gregg St. After training, staffers will provide one-on-one assistance to girls and women who are faced with an unplanned or problem pregnancy. (803) 765-0165 or email agillhorton.birthrightcolumbia@gmail.com
THE FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER, which serves abused and neglected children and adult survivors of childhood abuse and sexual violence in Kershaw and Lee counties, is seeking volunteers to assist in victim services. Volunteers will be trained to support the 24-hour hotline and respond to victims at the hospital. Volunteers will undergo 25 hours of training prior to going “on-call.” The next session is slated for March 5-9 and 12. Potential volunteers must be at least 18 years old, pass a SLED background check and have a valid driver’s license. (803) 425-4357; www.frccounseling.com
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