GOOD NEIGHBORS
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; http://www.sunsetfelines.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
SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE for foster children will be held 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Aug. 10-11 at the Red Bank Walmart, 1780 S. Lake Drive, Lexington. The Lexington County Foster and Adoptive Parents’ Association will be accepting donations of pencils, paper, notebooks and other school-related needs.
THE SALVATION ARMY FOOD PANTRY is running low on nonperishable food items. Seeking donations of canned canned vegetables, soup, pasta, dried beans, rice, cereal, Jell-O and boxed items such as macaroni and cheese and instant potatoes. They also need plastic grocery bags and tote boxes. Items may be dropped off 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays at the Center for Worship and Service, 3024 Farrow Road. (803) 765-0260
FOOD FOR THE SOUL, a ministry that provides meals to the hungry and temporary emergency shelter and services for the homeless in Kershaw County, is in need of the following items: paper towels, hand sanitizer, liquid antibacterial hand soap, men’s and women’s deodorants, liquid laundry detergent and bleach, disposable plates (101/2-inch) and disposable cups (12-oz.). Monetary donations are welcome, too. Donations may be dropped off 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays at 110 E. DeKalb St., Camden. (803) 432-4771; http://www.foodforthesoulkc.org
SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE for the Salvation Army/Nancy Moore Thurmond Boys & Girls Club and the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands is being conducted through Sept. 15. Supplies may be dropped off at the following Staples stores, 281 Park Terrace Drive (Harbison), 2746 Decker Blvd. and 4464 Devine St. http://www.staplesforstudents.org
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.


Giving help, getting help, Feb. 19

