GOOD NEIGHBORS

H.Y.P.E. BIG GIVEAWAY: Coat drive, 2-5 p.m. Saturday at Vivid Lounge, 110-I Columbia Northeast Drive. Also accepting shoes and other winter items in all sizes for those in need. Coats will be distributed 2-4 p.m. Sunday at Christ Central’s Hope Plaza, 2401 Main St. Sponsored by Helping Young People Evolve.

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. Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. The American Red Cross encourages people who are in good health to donate so hospital patients have the blood or platelets they need to make a recovery. (800) 733-2767; http://www.redcrossblood.org/sc

FUNDRAISERS

CHICK-FIL-A in Five Points has teamed up with Richland 1 for the PASS (Parents and Students Succeed) project, the district’s homeless initiative. The restaurant, at 901 Harden St., will donate a percentage of the proceeds from all catering orders today and Saturday. Just mention Richland 1 when placing your catering order. (803) 255-0232

DONATIONS

THE LEXINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT is accepting donations of new, unwrapped toys through Monday at the following locations: The Lexington County Law Enforcement Complex, 521 Gibson Road, Lexington; North Region Service Center, 111 Lincreek Drive, Columbia; South Region Service Center, 102 Airport Road, Pelion; and the West Region Headquarters, 4079-B Augusta Highway Gilbert. Monetary donations will also be accepted. (803) 785-2411

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.

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

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 Tuesday. Small combos and choral groups are welcome. A piano is available. (803) 434-2659

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.

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