From hurricane relief to Thanksgiving meals, opportunities are plentiful for area residents to help others in need. Here are some of the latest efforts in the Midlands to serve others.

Hurricane Sandy assistance

Area residents are lending their support to those affected by Hurricane Sandy through The Columbia Hurricane Relief Effort.

Through Thursday, community members are encouraged to bring basic home supplies to The Turning Pointe at 5143 Forest Drive in Forest Acres (between Trenholm Plaza and Wal-Mart) between 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Specific items needed include blankets, batteries, toilet paper, paper towels, bleach, socks, jackets, baby wipes, under garments, feminine products, soap, deodorant, garbage bags, plastic rubber shoes, shovels and brooms, diapers, tooth brushes, and cleaning supplies.

Tax deductible monetary donations also are being accepted and can be made payable to SCCDC (South Carolina Contemporary Dance Company) and designated to Sandy Relief.

Sistercare benefit

The University of South Carolina’s Festivals and Events class will hold its first Fall Fair for Sistercare from 5-10 p.m. Wednesday at Senate’s End.

The event will support Sistercare’s efforts to assist and protect those affected by domestic violence. It will feature a silent auction, games, refreshments and entertainment.

Admission is $15 for adults; $10 for students, military and those 62 and older; $8 for children 3-12 years old; and free for children under 3. Family packs are $40 for a family of four and $6 for each additional child.

Tickets to Wednesday’s benefit can be purchased at the door.

Senate’s End is at 320 Senate St.

Adopt a Turkey

Community members are being encouraged to adopt a turkey for the 22nd Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Community Dinner at the Carolina Coliseum and area nursing homes.

A $10 donation will provide a 10-12 pound turkey that will feed about eight to 10 people.

Checks can be made payable to St. Vincent dePaul Society and mailed to the attention of Robert Keeder at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 1529 Assembly St., Columbia, SC 29201.

For more information, call (803) 796-9802.

Clothes for the community

Bible Way Church of Atlas Road will give away clothes and household items to community members in need Saturday during its Community Outreach Drive.

The drive will run from 7 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in the Wellness Center of the church, 2440 Atlas Road.

Those who wish to donate to the drive can call (803) 776-1238 to schedule a drop off time.