Giving help, getting help in the Midlands, July 4
GOOD NEIGHBORS
THE AMERICAN RED CROSS is seeking eligible blood donors. For a list of times and locations of where to donate: www.redcrossblood.org or (800) 733-2767.
THE I-CARE PROGRAM of the Central Midlands Area Agency on Aging/Aging and Disability Resource Center will hold an educational seminar on starting Medicare, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. July 21 at the Central Midlands Council of Governments office, 236 Stoneridge Drive. Free and open to the public; RSVP by July 16 at (803) 376-5390 ext. 309 or ext. 312.
STAY COOL this summer at misting stations and splash pads set up by the city of Columbia, noon-7 p.m. when the heat index reaches 90 degrees or higher. Free. Closed Sundays. www.columbiasc.net or (803) 545-3100
FUNDRAISERS
TOUCAN TUESDAYS at Riverbanks Zoo, 500 Wildlife Parkway, through Aug. 18, lets visitors get one paid admission and one free admission on Tuesdays 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
RYAN RAWL MEMORIAL: Richland County Sheriff’s Department will host its memorial fitness challenge Saturday in honor of the late deputy and 1st Lt. Ryan Rawl, who was killed while on duty in Afghanistan, as well as other military and first responders. Starts at 8 a.m. on the Sumter Street side of the State House, 110 Gervais St. (803) 576-3491 or kjasak@rcsd.net
DONATIONS
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 dog and cats. Furniture, knick-knacks, used pet items and other types 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 from 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.
VOLUNTEERS
SUMMER CELEBRATION OF WATER, a family-friendly festival experience on the water, needs volunteer staff for the event from noon-3 p.m. Aug. 22 at Riverfront Park in Columbia. A T-shirt and lunch is provided to volunteers. Mary Hite, mihite@lex-co.com or (803) 785-8201.
THE IRMO CHAPIN RECREATION COMMISSION is seeking volunteers ages 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 ages 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