GOOD NEIGHBORS

BE A REALLY GOOD NEIGHBOR by donating whole blood or platelets. The American Red Cross S.C. Blood Services Region has issued an emegency call for blood and platelet donors of all types. (800) 722-2767; http://www.redcrossblood.org/sc

LIGHT UP THE LAKE safety kits containing glow sticks, a whistle, a DNR safety handbook and safety gear discount coupons will be distributed through July 4 at the Lake Murray Boat Club, 1600 Marina Road, Irmo. Kits will be available between 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the office or the dock. (803) 407-2828

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.

FUNDRAISERS

LEXINGTON COUNTY DETENTION CENTER OFFICERS will host a softball tournament July 13 at the Pine Grove Sports Complex, 701 Old Barnwell Road, West Columbia. $135 per team, registration deadline is Friday. Event will also include a home run derby; $10 (10 chances to hit a home run). Proceeds will benefit Dream Riders, a nonprofit equestrian program for persons with mental or physical disabilities. To enter, call Sgt. Scott McDermott, (803) 785-2740, 785-2741 or email smcdermott@lcsd.sc.gov

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 email 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

DONATIONS

PALMETTO HEALTH CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL is in need of stuffed animals for its pediatric patients. The animals will be given to patients and later taken home with the child. Because of infection control guidelines and respiratory illnesses, stuffed animals must be new and store-bought. If you are interested in giving, call Allison Jones at (803) 434-2151.

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