AgFirst bank recently made a significant contribution toward ending homelessness when it donated $50,000 to the Transitions homeless initiative.

The donation was made during Transitions’ client graduation program last week.

“We are very thankful for AgFirst’s support and their confidence in the effectiveness of our program,” said Craig J. Currey, Transitions chief executive officer. “This gift could not come at a better time for us.”

Currey said AgFirst’s contribution will help provide necessary funds for Transitions to continue its work during the winter months and help provide housing for 260 homeless people during the holidays.

There are more than 1,100 identified homeless individuals in the greater Midlands. Since opening in June 2011, Transitions has moved 251 people to permanent housing and 776 more to improved housing conditions.

Supporting quality housing

The Midlands Housing Trust Fund has received $10,000 from Wells Fargo to help make quality housing attainable for Midlands working families.

“We want to promote financial stability and support long-term economic growth and improved quality of life for everyone in our communities,” said Holt Chetwood, Midlands market president of Wells Fargo Bank.

The housing trust fund also released its first round of funding since it was created in February.

That funding includes $15,000 to Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity, $15,000 to Santee-Lynches Affordable Housing and $10,000 to Trinity Housing Corp.

“We are excited to support development of quality affordable housing in the Midlands,” said Mark Cox, Midlands Housing Trust Fund board chair. “We are grateful to Wells Fargo’s commitment to the community and are looking forward to offering additional opportunities in the future thanks to their gift.”

The Midlands Housing Trust Fund is an initiative of the United Way of the Midlands.

Holiday toys and coats

The Columbia Classic Chevy Club donated 450 toys and 31 bicycles to the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department for the agency’s annual Holiday Toy Drive.

Deputies will distribute the donated toys and bicycles to children in Lexington County who need assistance.

The club also donated $1,500 to the Sheriff’s Department that deputies will use to buy winter coats and diapers for children.

Foot Health Awareness Day

The Foot Institute of South Carolina will hold its first Foot Health Awareness Day from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday when free foot exams will be offered to those experiencing economic hardships.

Each visit will take between 10-12 minutes and will include a free foot exam and consultation by a podiatrist, information on foot care and foot care samples. Patients who need additional treatment and are uninsured or have Medicaid will be referred to other physicians or clinics.

Follow up x-rays, labs, rehabilitation, and other services are not included in the free foot exam.

No appointment is necessary and patients will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Foot Institute of South Carolina is at 1655 Bernardin Ave., Suite 210, Columbia.