Columbia, S.C. — GOOD NEIGHBORS

A FOOD DRIVE to benefit Lexington Interfaith Community Services is being held through today at Meadow Glen Middle School, 440 Ginny Lane, Lexington. The drive is a partnership of the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department and Lexington District 1.

THE RICHLAND COUNTY ALUMNAE CHAPTER of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. will provide free transportation to and from the polls 6 a.m .-6 p.m. Tuesday for registered voters in the 29203 ZIP code. Call (803) 786-7796; reservations deadline is Monday.

THE SALVATION ARMY in Columbia will accept Christmas assistance applications from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday through Nov. 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 today 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.

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 for 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

BIRTHRIGHT OF COLUMBIA, a pro-life emergency pregnancy service is seeking donations of baby wash cloths, bath towels and bibs, crib blankets and sheets, disposable diapers (newborn and size 1), wipes and ointment, hypoallergenic baby wash and lotion, infant gowns and sleepers (0-3 months) and maternity clothes. All donations, new or gently used, are tax deductible. Birthright does not accept car seats, cribs or other furniture. (803) 765-0165; http://www.birthrightofcolumbia.org

CAMP DISCOVERY AT HIS ACRES, a nonprofit recreation therapy camp for children, youths and young adults is seeking donations of balls (tennis, rubber, playground, foam, sports, ping pong), gift cards (Home Depot, Walmart, Lowe’s, Michael’s), name tags (please avoid red and blue) and toilet paper. (803) 754-2008; http://www.campdiscoverysc.org

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

PALMETTO HEALTH CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL is in need of stuffed animals for its pediatric patients. The animals will be given to patients and later taken home with the children. Because of infection control guidelines and respiratory illnesses, stuffed animals must be new and store-bought. If you are interested in giving, call Allison Jones at (803) 434-2151.

VOLUNTEERS

GIRL SCOUTS OF SOUTH CAROLINA – MOUNTAINS TO MIDLANDS is looking for adult volunteers to provide leadership opportunities to local Girl Scouts in Richland and Lexington counties. No experience is necessary, training is free of charge. (803) 461-3737, (803) 461-3736; http://www.gssc-mm.org

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; email thesunsetfelines@hotmail.com; 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