Community needs

SENIORS FARMERS’ MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM, sponsored by the S.C. Department of Social Services, offers nutrition assistance to ages 60 and older by providing coupons for free produce at local farmers’ markets. Eligibility is based on household income; in order to receive the coupons, applicants must be residents of Richland County, apply in person and provide proof of identity and residence. Coupons will be issued on a first come, first served basis while supplies last, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday at Martin Luther King Park, 230 Greene St.

WEST COLUMBIA RESIDENTS in need of a fan or air conditioning unit to cope with the summer heat are encouraged to call (803) 794-0721, ext. 221 or 222. The West Columbia Police Officers Foundation is sponsoring the program for the elderly and others who have no way to stay cool during the summer; last year, 120 residents received fans or air conditioners.

VOLUNTEERS

THE MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY ASSOCIATION is seeking camp counselors and volunteer nurses for its summer camp for children with neuromuscular diseases. The one-week session, which features swimming, arts and crafts, a softball game and fishing, is held at Camp Bob Cooper in Summerton. Counselors may be male or female, ages 18 and older, able to lift and care for a camper ages 6-21. Each counselor will serve as a camper’s daily companion and help them with daily living and recreational activities. Volunteer nurses attend group activities, are responsible for dispensing medication and providing general first aid. Krista Wingard, (803) 799-7435 or go to www.mda.org.

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.

DONATIONS

WEST COLUMBIA POLICE OFFICERS FOUNDATION is accepting donations of fans, air conditioning units or monetary donations to the foundation to help the elderly and others cope with the summer heat. Jackie Brothers, (803) 939-3182.

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