Columbia area Ameris Bank locations are encouraging residents to help in the battle against hunger.

The bank’s third annual Helping Fight Hunger drive continues through the end of the month, and community members are being asked to drop off nonperishable food items at Ameris Bank branches or other participating businesses and organizations.

Donations can be dropped off at Ameris Bank locations at 1301 Gervais St., Suite 700 in Columbia; 1200 Lake Murray Blvd., in Irmo; and 701 West Main St., in Lexington.

They also can be taken to Crown Real Estate Co., Lexington and Irmo area Bi-Lo stores, the Irmo Kroger, Mathias Co., Wyatt Seal, Medfit and Tegra Analytics. Church dropoffs include McGregor Presbyterian, Union United Methodist, Riverland Hills Baptist, Mt. Olive Lutheran and St. Andrews Presbyterian.

Items will be delivered to Sharing God’s Love in Irmo and Harvest Hope Food Bank. The Ameris Bancorp also will make a financial contribution.

“We continue to collect nonperishable food items to be donated right here in our community,” Mze Wilkins, Ameris Bank Midlands market president said. “I encourage everyone to come out and donate. It won’t cost much, and the impact we can make in our communities is so great.”

Cell phones for soldiers

The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department recently teamed with the S.C. Department of Corrections and Lake Murray ABATE to donate 5,100 used cell phones, 3,000 chargers and other accessories to Cell Phones for Soldiers.

The agency sells used cell phones and equipment to recycling companies, using the proceeds to buy pre-paid telephone calling for members of the U.S. armed forces serving outside the country.

More than 120 motorcyclists took part in the 12th Annual Freedom Ride from Chapin to the State House last month to benefit Cell Phones for Soldiers. The ride was held to remember Americans who died in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

What’s that knocking?

Suddeth Automotive in Columbia is offering free car care inspections through the end of the month. in conjunction with the National Car Care Council’s “Be Car Care Aware” Campaign.

Inspections are offered between 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays at 1410 North Millwood Ave. Residents can call (803) 256-2110 to make an appointment. Drop-ins also are accepted.

Each multipoint inspection takes about 30 minutes and participants will receive a copy of the inspection form and have an opportunity to review the results with a service adviser. There is no obligation to have any needed service work performed at the shop.