GOOD NEIGHBORS

THE LEXINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT and Lexington 1 are conducting a Socks to Sole Drive through Monday. They’re collecting new, unwrapped socks for children who have cancer and are undergoing medical treatment at Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital. Children undergoing medical treatment for cancer often experience cold feet and the socks help keep children’s feet warm. Donations may be dropped off at Gilbert Elementary, 314 Main St.; Gilbert Primary, 520 Main St.; and Gilbert Middle, 120 Rikard Circle (all in Gilbert). School Resource Officer Matt Rogers, who works at GMS, is coordinating, contact him at (803) 821-1728 or (803) 231-8563.

ORANGE LEAF FROZEN YOGURT is collecting donations from customers through Sunday as part of the Orange Leaf Pajama Drive to benefit Ronald McDonald House. Cutomers who donate one new pair of pajamas at the 701-B Santee Ave. store will be receive a 3-ounce froyo in exchange. (803) 771-7222

THE WEST COLUMBIA FIRE DEPARTMENT’S “Star Tree” is up and ready for holiday giving. Individuals, churches and civic groups are encouraged to visit the department on 12th Street, choose an ornament with a needy child’s name, age and gender. Purchase a gift, wrap it and use the ornament as a label. The lobby will be open 8 a.m.-9 p.m. every day through Monday.

FOOD FOR THE SOUL winter shelter, 110-A. E. DeKalb St., Camden, is available for overnight stays when the nightly temperature is forecast to be 36 degrees or colder. Cots, linens and blankets are provided, as are a light supper, snacks and a light breakfast; showers and laundry facilities are offered. Shelter guidelines include a 7:30 p.m. arrival, consent to bag search and intake interview and a signed contract regarding behavior and disciplinary procedures enforced by the Camden City Police Department. (803) 236-7626

BE A REALLY GOOD NEIGHBOR by donating whole blood or platelets. The American Red Cross S.C. Blood Services Region has issued an emergency call for blood and platelet donors of all types. (800) 722-2767; http://www.redcrossblood.org/sc

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.

DONATIONS

ZOOBOT is partnering with Pawmetto Lifeline this school year (ZooBot is the school of zoological and biological sciences at Longleaf Middle School). Supplies needed include: paper towels, high efficiency laundry detergent, bleach, tall kitchen trash bags, 39-gallon trash bags, hand sanitizer, Zip-Lock storage bags (gallon and quart sizes), printer/copier paper, towels, rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, distilled water, stamps, cleaning products (Lysol, Mr. Clean, Clorox wipes, etc.) and office supplies (pens, tape, paper clips, etc). Donations may be dropped off 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. weekdays at 1160 Longgreen Parkway.

A GIFT THAT GIVES AGAIN is Senior Resources’ Meals on Wheels holiday card campaign running through Dec. 31. For every $5 donation, donors can have a card mailed in honor or memory of a loved one or friend. In turn, the donations help a homebound senior receive a meal and visit during the holiday season. Cards may be purchased at http://www.seniorresourcesinc.org or by visiting Senior Resources, 2817 Millwood Ave., 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays.

THE LEXINGTON POLICE DEPARTMENT is accepting donations for the Midlands Toys for Tots campaign and the Harvest Hope Food Bank through Dec. 20. New, unwrapped toys and nonperishable food items may be dropped off at the Lexington Municipal Complex 111 Maiden Lane. Stuff the SWAT van collection sites will be Walmart, 5556 Sunset Blvd., 3-6 p.m. Friday; and Kmart, 748 W. Main St., 9 a.m.-noon Wednesday; 3-6 pm. Dec. 18. Lt. Matt Davis, (803) 359-6260

REACH OUT AND READ, an early literacy program providing books for children age 5 and younger during well-child visits at Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital, needs new book donations and contributions. Callee Boulware, (803) 434-2523

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

EDUCATION VOLUNTEERS are needed to interact with guests, give presentations, handle program animals and participate in regularly scheduled programs at Riverbanks Zoo. Volunteers are expected to commit 30 hours quarterly after successful completion of the eight-week training program. Training sessions begin Jan. 10. (803) 978-1108.

VOLUNTEERS are needed to prepare treat bags for patients in the hospital at Palmetto Health during the Christmas holidays. Bags will be distributed through December. To volunteer or receive a list of suggested items for the bags, call Carole Howell, (803) 434-2659.

PALMETTO HEALTH CANCER CENTER is looking for musicians to play in one- to two-hour shifts between 9 a.m.-5 p.m. through Dec. 25. Small combos and choral groups are welcome. A piano is available. (803) 434-2659

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