Community Needs

DREAM RIDERS OF LEXINGTON is accepting sponsorships, program advertising and donations for its May 24 benefit horse show. Amounts range from $5-$400; sponsorship forms must be postmarked by Friday to be included in the brochure. Dream Riders is a therapeutic equestrian program for the handicapped. For more information, go to www.dreamriders.org; e-mail dreamr2@mindspring.com or call (803) 957-7906.

CELL PHONES FOR SOLDIERS, a cell phone recycling program and Smith Turf & Irrigation have teamed up to distribute prepaid calling cards to soldiers serving overseas. About half of the phones are reconditioned and resold, the rest are dismantled and recycled to reclaim gold, silver, platinum, copper wiring from chargers, nickel, iron, cadmium and lead from battery packs and plastic from cases and accessories. You may drop off your old cell phone at STI, 550 Corley Mill Road, Lexington. Cash donations are also accepted. (803) 957-6662; www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com

ROSEWOOD BAPTIST CHURCH is accepting items for its Children’s Miracle Network yard and bake sale Saturday, June 7, at 2901 Rosewood Drive. Pickup available, call (803) 796-0015.

HOME WORKS is seeking donations of multivitamins for children and adults to be delivered to Zorritos, Peru, Aug. 5-17. (803) 206-6974 or e-mail homewrksc@aol.com

PALMETTO’S THRIFT STORE is accepting donations of clothing, housewares, furniture, toys, books, linens, jewelry, purses, shoes and accessories at 7539 St. Andrews Road, Irmo (behind Lizard’s Thicket). Items may be dropped off 9 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays or call (803) 781-1335 to arrange for pickup service. The store donates 50 percent of all profits to Children’s Chance, a nonprofit organization assisting families and children affected by pediatric cancer.

VOLUNTEERS

REGENCY HOSPICE has openings this summer for volunteers who want to gain experience in geriatric care and nonmedical home. Free training for adults willing to sit with patients, run errands, make phone calls or help with related office tasks. No medical background needed; reliable transportation a must. Call (803) 765-0099 for training schedule.

ROAD TO RECOVERY is a program that provides cancer patients with transportation to and from treatments. Training is scheduled weekly at the American Cancer Society office, 128 Stonemark Lane. Volunteers must have a valid driver’s license, good driving record and a reliable vehicle. Lang Hunt, (803) 759-1693.

GREYHOUND LIFESAVERS is looking for foster parents for retired racing greyhounds. Volunteers will be provided the dog, collar and lead, food, bowls, beds, jackets and medical expenses as needed. Foster parents provide love and attention, social training, toys, a bed or two, a baby gate and time to show the foster dog when a potential adopter is interested. Call (803) 957-3866, (803) 798-9070, or download an application at www.greyhoundlifesavers.org.

RICHLAND COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES is seeking foster parents for infants through teens in the legal custody of the Department of Social Services. Foster parents provide temporary care for children whose families are having problems that can lead to (or have led to) abuse or neglect. Foster parents can be single or married, own a home or rent one; assistance is available toward the expenses of caring for the children. Call (803) 714-7459 or (803) 714-7540