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 emergency call for blood and platelet donors of all types. (800) 722-2767; http://www.redcrossblood.org/sc

THE LEXINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT will provide fans and air-conditioning units this summer to Lexington County residents in need of assistance. The department is also accepting donations of fans and AC units at the Lexington County Law Enforcement Complex, 521 Gibson Road. If you need help or would like to help, contact Sgt. Diane Paavel at (803) 785-2504 or email dpaavel@lcsd.sc.gov.

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.

VOLUNTEERS

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 cats. (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

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

DONATIONS

PALMETTO HEALTH CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL needs stuffed animals for its pediatric patients. Children will be given the stuffed animals and allowed to take them home. Because of infection control guidelines and the threat of respiratory illnesses, stuffed animals must be new and store-bought. If you are interested in giving, call Allison Jones at (803) 434-2151.