Giving help, getting help in the Midlands, June 9

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.

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS of Columbia are having their volunteer orientation from 6-7 p.m. June 16 at their office at 4300 North Main Street. For more information on how to change a child’s life, visit www.bbsgc.org or call (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. For more information, contact Mary Hite at mihite@lex-co.com or call (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

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, visit www.redcrossblood.org or call (800) 733-2767.

TOUCAN TUESDAYS at Riverbanks Zoo, June 9-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. Details about the promotion: www.riverbanks.org

COLOR VIBE 5K: 9 a.m. Saturday at River Bluff High School, 320 Corley Mill Road, Lexington. Sponsored by the Columbia Regional Sports Council, proceeds from the event will benefit PattyPacks, an organization providing support to families affected by extensive stays in pediatric intensive care. Online registration $65 for individual runners; ream runners, $55; age 12 and younger, free with a paid adult, through June 12; race day registration, $75 for individual runners; $70 for team runners, age 12 and younger, $15. http://thecolorvibe.com/columbia.php#

BLONDES VS. BRUNETTES FLAG FOOTBALL GAME: 5:30 p.m. Saturday at the Hammond School football stadium, 1211 Veterans Road. Alzheimer’s Association second annual event to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease among a new generation. Proceeds will benefit the care, support, advocacy and reseach efforts of the association. A post-game party will be held at Tin Roof Columbia, 1022 Senate St. featuring live music by Tokyo Joe, food and drink specials and an awards ceremony Game tickets, $25; after-party, $15; both, $35. http://www.bvbcolumbia.org

SPARCFEST MUSIC FESTIVAL: Noon-8 p.m. Saturday at Magnolia Lodge, 631 Longtown Road, Ridgeway. Five bands, food, adult beverages, vendors, arts and crafts, greased pig contest and more. Admission is $10. Proceeds will benefit The Arc of South Carolina, a nonprofit organization that focuses on persons and families dealing with intellectual/developmental disabilities. http://www.facebook.com/events/984075211610243

ROTARY CLUB OF THE VISTA GARDEN PARTY: 6-9 p.m. June 18 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