Giving help, getting help in the Midlands, June 16

THE AMERICAN RED CROSS is seeking eligible blood donors to ensure patients have enough before the summer season begins. For a list of times and locations of where to donate: www.redcrossblood.org or (800) 733-2767.

TOUCAN TUESDAYS at Riverbanks Zoo, 500 Wildlife Parkway, through Aug. 18, lets visitors get one paid admission and one free admission on Tuesdays this summer with the donation of two cans of food to Harvest Hope Food Bank. There are other specials for drinks and other items for donors once inside the gates. www.riverbanks.org

ROTARY CLUB OF THE VISTA GARDEN PARTY: 6-9 p.m. Thursday at Riverbanks Botanical Gardens. Food, wine tasting, beer and wine bar, music by Ross Holmes and a silent auction to benefit The Therapy Place. Tickets are $50 each. (803) 413-0446

RYAN RAWL MEMORIAL: Richland County Sheriff’s Department will host their memorial fitness challenge in honor of the late deputy and first lieutenant Ryan Rawl as well as other military and first responders beginning at 8 a.m. July 4 on the Sumter Street side of the Statehouse, 110 Gervias St. Participants must register for this CrossFit style challenge by July 1. Details on how to register: Deputy Katelyn Jasak, (803) 576-3491 or kjasak@rcsd.net

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS of Columbia are having their volunteer orientation from 6-7 p.m. Tuesday at their office at 4300 N. Main St. www.bbsgc.org or (803) 691-5700

SUMMER CELEBRATION OF WATER, a family-friendly festival experience on the water is in need of volunteer staff for the event from noon-3 p.m. Aug. 22 at Riverfront Park in Columbia. A T-shirt and lunch is provided with volunteering. Mary Hite, mihite@lex-co.com or (803) 785-8201.

THE IRMO CHAPIN RECREATION COMMISSION is seeking volunteers 16 and older to help deliver meals, coach youth sports, become nature interpreters and more. (803) 772-1228 or www.icrc.net/volunteering

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY needs volunteer drivers to take patients to medical facilities for cancer treatment. Good driving record, valid driver’s license, automobile insurance and a vehicle in good working condition are required. Rides are needed 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday; schedule is flexible, based on each volunteer’s availability. Fronde Merchant, fronde.merchant@cancer.org or (843) 744-1922.

REACH OUT AND READ, an early literacy program providing books for children 5 and younger during well-child visits at Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital, needs new book donations and contributions. Callee Boulware, (803) 434-2523

SUNSET FELINES needs people to spare an hour a week (mornings or late afternoons, weekdays and weekends) to assist with feeding of cat colonies in Lexington County. Ideal for retirees or those with flexible schedules. Also needed are foster homes, both short- and long-term. They agency also has lots of adoptable cats. (803) 794-5686 or thesunsetfelines@hotmail.com

DAYBREAK PREGNANCY CENTER is seeking female volunteers in several areas. The center needs volunteer counselors, hot line volunteers, teen volunteers, parenting/childbirth volunteer teachers, post-abortion class leaders, baby boutique volunteers, receptionists and office assistants. The center also needs male mentors and mailing clerical volunteers. Adults only; training will be provided. Daybreak has offices in downtown Columbia and Lexington and needs assistance at both sites. (803) 771-6634

SHARING GOD’S LOVE, a Christian ministry serving those in need in the Irmo, St. Andrews and Ballentine communities, is seeking donations of sheets and towels (may be used but in good condition), jelly, spaghetti sauce, noodles, laundry detergent, shampoo, deodorant, dishwashing liquid, toothpaste, toothbrushes, bar soap and toilet paper. http://sharinggodslove.net

FRIENDS OF THE ANIMALS needs thrift donations. Sales from the items are used to take care of and feed dogs/cats. Furniture, knick-knacks, used pet items and any other type of thrift donations are needed; drop off at The Black Dog Inn, 321 E. Columbia Ave., Batesburg-Leesville. (803) 604-1303

SISTERCARE, a shelter for battered women and their children, is in need of paper products and personal hygiene items. Drop off donations, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, at Sistercare Administration Office, 1820 Morlaine Drive, Cayce. Find a complete list of needs at www.sistercare.org.