Giving help, getting help, Feb. 17

GOOD NEIGHBORS

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 today. 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

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.

BOY SCOUT TROOP 380 collected 2,030 pounds of food for the Chapin We Care food drive Feb. 11. The Scouts meet at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Chapin.

VOLUNTEERS

BIRTHRIGHT OF COLUMBIA, a pro-life emergency pregnancy service, will hold training for office volunteers at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays 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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Giving help, getting help, Feb. 17

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