The Salvation Army is seeking volunteers for its Christmas assistance programs.

Volunteers are needed to work at the agency’s Christmas warehouse at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds in November and December.

The shifts and general tasks include:

Nov. 6-9: Registration week – staff tables and meet with individuals applying for assistance. Volunteers should be at least 18 years old.

•  Dec. 10-15: Set up week – sort gifts and assemble gift boxes and bags and help with other set up needs. Volunteers should be at least 16 years old or accompanied by an adult.

•  Dec. 17-21: Distribution week – assist those picking up their Christmas gifts and food at the warehouse. Volunteers should be at least 16 years old or accompanied by an adult.

Anyone applying for Christmas assistance through The Salvation Army is not eligible to volunteer.

To learn about volunteering, call contact Seth Taylor at (803) 667-4943.

Getting workers back on track

A new Cooperative Ministry program designed to help parents work their way out of poverty has received a big boost from Rogers Townsend law firm.

The firm made a $10,000 contribution to the Solid Ground program to help fund its inaugural year.

The Cooperative Ministry seeks to increase economic self-sufficiency through crisis assistance and sustainability programs.

Agency executive director David Kunz points to studies that show investing in education and helping parents find a job with good wages saves taxpayer dollars. A major goal of Solid Ground is to increase the number of women participants.

“It is important to us to participate in a program that is proven to help women become economically independent for their families,” said Carol Cummings, Rogers Townsend managing director. “The lessons learned in Solid Ground are meant to last a lifetime, so we’re proud to play an active role.”

Holiday food cheer

The Columbia Classic Chevy Club donated nearly 500 pounds of food to the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department for the agency’s annual holiday food drive. The food was collected during the club’s food drive earlier this month at the Woodberry Plaza shopping center outside West Columbia.

The Sheriff’s Department’s annual Christmas holiday food drive helps Lexington County residents in need.