GOOD NEIGHBORS

A COAT, HAT AND GLOVES drive for those affected by Hurricane Sandy is slated for 4-6 p.m. Friday. Gently used coats, hats and gloves may be dropped off at Chick-fil-A in Lexington, Sumter (Sumter Mall) and Columbia (Two Notch Road location), Capital City Ambulance, 2405 Two Notch Road, Office Depot on Two Notch Road, Lugoff Ford, Belk of Camden and Carolina Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, U.S. 1, Lugoff. (803) 556-6667 or email krich@ccaems.com

RE-USE FOR CHARITY, an opportunity to recycle items for a worthy cause, will be held 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 100 Polo Road. Donate old eyeglasses and hearing aids to the Lions Club; Oliver Gospel Mission needs gently used clothing for men, women and children, travel size toiletries, toys and kitchen items; Sistercare can use nonperishable food, blankets, linens and bedsheets in good condition and cellphones (any condition); the Humane Society needs old blankets and linens for bedding, dog and cat food, treats, collars, leashes and toys; and nonperishable food items, styrofoam egg cartons and plastic grocery bags are welcome at Harvest Hope Food Bank. The event is sponsored by the Environmental Ministry. (803) 788-0811

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD: Collection through Monday for gift-filled shoeboxes to be sent to more than 100 countries to children living in areas of war, poverty, disease and natural disaster. Go to http://www.samaritanspurse.org/occ or call (803) 787-2133 for local sites and hours.

GIFT OF WARMTH: Coat giveaway for children and adults, 9 a.m.-noon Saturday at Rehoboth Baptist Church, 4646 Hard Scrabble Road. One coat per person; you must be present to receive a coat. (803) 786-6307, (803) 699-8382

THE TEES FOR TREES GOLF TOURNAMENT, sponsored by the Irmo Arbor Day Committee, raised nearly $35,000 for beautification efforts in the town of Irmo. Twenty-seven four-member teams participated.

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

A FLAPJACK FUNDRAISER for Ken Stevenson, a Columbia man who’s waiting for a lung/kidney transplant, will be held at 8 a.m. Saturday at Applebee’s, 4505 Devine St. $7 per plate. (803) 237-5780

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 Monday 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 Ave. 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