GOOD NEIGHBORS

THE S.C. DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES is participating in the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. Low income individuals in Richland County, ages 60 and older, may receive $25 worth of coupons for use at participating local farmers markets through Oct. 15. Coupons will be issued on a first come, first served basis until the supply is exhausted from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday at the Delta Life Center, 5307 Fairfield Road; and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday at the Capital Senior Center, 1650 Park Circle. Applications must be submitted in person. Proof of identity and residence is required and applicants must also meet household income eligibility limits (Information regarding the income of all household members is required to determine eligibility). Individuals wishing to apply for homebound seniors must provide a statement from the senior granting permission to submit an application on their behalf. Proof of identity and proof of income for the homebound senior must be presented at the time of application. (803) 732-1899

MEMBERS OF THE CAPITAL ROTARY CLUB donated a new computer, software and textbooks to St. Martin de Porres Elementary School for a $5,000 literacy enhancement project. The 75-year-old private Catholic school primarily serves children from the historic Waverly community. The funds will expand St. Martin’s Open Court Reading Program, a comprehensive reading and writing curriculum.

THE WEST COLUMBIA POLICE DEPARTMENT’S “Fan the Heat” program provides fans for the elderly and those with medical conditions who need a little help coping with the heat. If you would like to donate a fan or if you need one, contact Lt. John Norman at (803) 936-6280. Tax deductible financial contributions should be made to the West Columbia Police Officers Foundation.

BI-LO will donate 1 percent of your grocery bill to In-Vest USA. Shoppers can download special boostersplus cards at http://www.investusa.org. In-Vest USA is a Columbia-based organization founded in 1993 to equip police officers with life-saving body armor.

VOLUNTEERS

THE IRMO CHAPIN RECREATION COMMISSION is seeking volunteers ages 18 and older to become nature interpreters at Saluda Shoals Park. Nature interpreters interact with and educate park guests in the Wetlands Preserve. Volunteers meet at 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays for training. No experience necessary; retirees welcome. Jeanette Wells, (803) 213-2051

SUNSET FELINES is in urgent need of reliable folks to spare an hour a week (mornings or late afternoons, weekdays and weekends) to assist with the feeding of several cat colonies in Lexington County. Ideal for retirees or those with flexible schedules. Also need foster homes, both short- and long-term; plus they have plenty of adoptable kitties. (803) 794-5686 or e-mail sunsetfelines@hotmail.com

FIDO DOG RESCUE is looking for volunteer foster families to care for rescued dogs until they find permanent homes. (803) 796-2390

BIRTHRIGHT OF COLUMBIA is encouraging people to host a baby shower for its clients. Items needed include baby wash and lotion, crib sheets and blankets, disposable diapers, wipes and ointment, infant gowns and sleepers and maternity clothes. Birthright does not accept car seats, cribs, highchairs, playpens or any other type furniture. All donations, new and gently used, are tax-deductible. (803) 765-0165