COLUMBIA, SC — GOOD NEIGHBORS

THE SALVATION ARMY in Columbia will accept Christmas assistance applications from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 6-9 (9 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Nov. 8) at the State Fairgrounds, Ruff Building, 1200 Rosewood Drive. Applicants will need to bring the following items:

Picture ID for the head of the household.

Identification cards for everyone residing in the household (U.S. driver’s license, Social Security card, state-issued ID card, U.S. passport, employee or school ID card, health insurance card (not Medicare), Matricula Consular ID card, U.S. military ID card).

Proof of age for every child age 13 and younger. Only children 13 years and younger can receive Christmas gifts. Birth certificates or other official documents may be used for proof of age.

Proof of all income in the home for the past 30 days (pay stubs, unemployment statement, SSI disability, Social Security statement, VA or other pensions.

Anyone age 18 or older and receiving no income must show proof of zero wage (zero wage statement from the unemployment office).

Proof of all household expenses paid in the past 30 days (not bills that you owe, bills that were paid).

If the household qualifies for food stamps (SNAP), bring proof of your most current award statement (NOT the EBT card).

No children will be allowed in the fairground buildings during registration or distribution. Do not bring your children to the fairgrounds and leave them in the car. (803) 454-9552

A FOOD DRIVE to benefit Harvest Hope Food Bank is being held through Friday at Lexington High School, 2463 Augusta Highway and Lexington Technology Center, 2421 Augusta Highway. The drive is a partnership of the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department and Lexington District 1.

SUDDETH AUTOMOTIVE is offering free car care inspections through Wednesday. Each multi-point inspection takes about 30 minutes; participants will receive a completed copy of the inspection form and an opportunity to review the results with a service adviser. Inspections will be offered 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays at 1410 N. Millwood Ave. Appointments suggested, drop-ins welcome. (803) 256-2110; http://www.suddethauto.com

THE HOME REPAIRS COMMITTEE of the Kershaw County Housing Partnership was formed to help low-income homeowners and families maintain their homes. Applications for home repairs may be made by calling (803) 432-0951 or visiting the United Way of Kershaw County, 110 E. DeKalb St., Camden.

SPECIALIZED ALTERNATIVES FOR FAMILIES AND YOUTH (SAFY) is a nonprofit agency that recruits, trains and supports families to be effective advocates for children in therapeutic foster care. Committed and caring individuals are needed to temporarily provide children with safe, nurturing homes. Classes start soon. For information on becoming a foster parent, call (877) 422-7239 or go to http://www.safy.org

FUNDRAISERS

CARDINAL NEWMAN SCHOOL will sponsor a 5K run/walk and kids fun run to benefit the 22nd annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Dinner the homeless, elderly and needy. The trail run through Sesquicentennial State Park begins at 3 p.m. Nov. 11. Winners will receive cash awards and plaques made by Angel Allen. $25; fun run (age 9 and younger), $10; before Thursday. After Thursday/race day registration, $30/$12. Register at http://www.strictlyrunning.com

DONATIONS

THE CITY OF WEST COLUMBIA and the West Columbia Empowerment Center are seeking canned goods to fill the center’s Thanksgiving baskets for the needy. Donations will be accepted through Nov. 19 at the following locations: City Hall and West Columbia Police Department, 200 N. 12th St., West Columbia Fire Department, 610 N. 12th St., and the West Columbia Empowerment Center, 754 B Avenue. Wish list includes: stuffing mix, juice, bread, gravy, cranberry sauce, flour, sugar, pumpkin pie filling, canned fruit and vegetables, rice, dried beans, macaroni and cheese, instant mashed potatoes and items to make Thanksgiving baskets. (803) 739-6238

PALMETTO HEALTH CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL needs stuffed animals for its pediatric patients. The animals will be given to patients and taken home with children. Because of infection control guidelines and respiratory illnesses, stuffed animals must be new and store-bought. Allison Jones, (803) 434-2151.