GOOD NEIGHBORS

THE 2012 SPARKLEBERRY COUNTRY FAIR raised $15,348 in grants for 22 Richland 2 teachers in 13 district schools, in addition to $1,000 scholarships for college-bound seniors. This year’s fair is slated for April 26-27 at Clemson’s Sandhill Research and Education Center.

SOUTH CAROLINA YOUTH ADVOCATE PROGRAM, a licensed nonprofit child placing agency, is looking for dedicated adults to provide safe, nurturing homes for young people in foster care. For information on becoming a foster parent, call (800) 882-5513 or email tbradley@scyap.com

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

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

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

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.

VOLUNTEERS

THE COOPERATIVE MINISTRY’S VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE (VITA) program offers free tax preparation with electronic filing to qualified families with a household income of less than $50,000. Assistance sites are in Richland, Lexington, Fairfield and Newberry counties. Volunteers undergo training to obtain IRS certification. The first session is slated for 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at the Cecil Tillis Center, 2111 Simpkins Lane. (803) 799-3853; http://www.coopmin.org

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

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.

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

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.

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