Giving help, getting help

CENTRAL CAROLINA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION has opened nonprofit registration for Midlands Gives through Feb. 29. The 24-hour Midlands Gives local online giving challenge will be May 3. Register online midlandsgives.org. To learn more, visit yourfoundation.org, email midlandsgives@yourfoundation.org or call (803)254-5601.

CITY OF COLUMBIA is seeking donations of canned fruit, vegetables, dry goods and canned meats through Dec. 21 for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Honor the Dream Food Drive. The public can drop off donations at the following locations: City Hall, Columbia Tennis Center, Charles R. Drew Wellness Center, Earlewood Park, Emily Douglas Park, Greenview Park, Hampton Park Heathwood Park, Hyatt Park, Katheryn M. Bellfield Booker Washington Heights Cultural Arts Center, Lorick Park, Martin Luther King Jr. Park, Melrose Park, Pinehurst Park, St. Anna’s Park, Sims Park, Woodland Parks, City Human Resources, Columbia Fire Department Headquarters, Columbia Police Department Headquarters and Public Works. (803) 545-3100

FORT CLARK BAPTIST CHURCH is seeking donations of new or used toys, new or used clothing for parents and children and food, 421 Veterans Row, Elgin. (803) 438-5071

FRIENDS OF THE ANIMALS needs thrift donations. Sales from the items are used to take care of and feed dog and cats. Furniture, knickknacks, 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

JUSTIN PEPPER BIRTHDAY BREAKFAST AND TOY DRIVE will be 9-11 a.m. Saturday at Lake Murray Presbyterian Church, 2721 Dutch Fork Road, Chapin. The public can drop off toys and gift cards then or at the Greater Chapin Chamber Office, the church office and the YMCA Northwest through Dec. 18. The Justin Pepper Foundation is providing a free pancake breakfast to thank the community. (803) 932-2222; www.justinpepper.com

PROVIDENCE HOME is seeking donations of men’s flip-flops for showering, men’s boxer briefs, bath towels, basic computers, Lowe’s gift certificates, financial contributions and group meals for men on weekends, 2421 N. Main St. The facility houses up to 50 men, many of whom are military veterans struggling with homelessness and substance abuse. (803) 779-2927

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.

TOYS FOR TOTS is hosting its annual “Fill the MRAP campaign the next couple weeks by collecting new and unwrapped toys at the following locations in Lexington: Chick-Fil-A from 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. today, Walmart from 9 a.m.-noon Monday, Target 3 p.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday and 9 a.m.-noon Dec. 14 and Kmart from 9 a.m.-noon Dec. 12 and Dec. 15. The objective is to fill the Lexington Police Department’s Emergency Services Team’s MRAP vehicle with toy donations. Lexington PD will also collect toys at its 111 Maiden Lane location on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA DIVISION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AND SAFETY will host the fifth annual “Stuff a Police Car” event 10 a.m.-2 p.m. today and Saturday on Greene Street in front of the Russell House. The public is asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy donation to benefit Toys for Tots. Toy donations will also be collected at the Division of Law Enforcement and Safety, 1600 Hampton St. Annex, through Dec. 10.

GENERATIONS OF IRMO is seeking volunteers to sing Christmas carols, 7142 Woodrow St., Irmo. Contact Director of Activities Susie Elgin, (803) 318-5726

HISTORIC COLUMBIA is looking for volunteers willing to donate nine or more hours a month. Volunteer opportunities include giving tours, museum maintenance, gardening, administrative work and helping with educational programs. (803) 252-1770, ext. 24, bkleinfelder@historiccolumbia.org or historiccolumbia.org

SUNSET FELINES is in need of 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 need foster homes, both short and long term; plus plenty of adoptable cats. (803) 794-5686 or email thesunsetfelines@hotmail.com

COLUMBIA AND LEXINGTON ANIMAL SERVICES is holding a Home for the Holidays adoption special this month at their locations at 127 Humane Lane, Columbia, and 321 Ball Park Road, Lexington. Fees for adopting a new pet or reclaiming a lost pet is $40. All adoptions fees include spaying and neutering, microchip, feline leukemia and heartworm testing, initial vaccines and deworming.

SPIRIT OF TRUTH CHRISTIAN CHURCH is giving away water, canned goods and clothes for residents affected by the Oct. 4 flood. Items are available for pickup at the church, 4201 Abingdon Road, Mondays and Tuesdays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and Wednesdays 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. through Dec. 31. Donations can also be dropped off at the church.

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA student nurses will hold a baby shower 1-3 p.m. today, 1405 Gregg St. The event will provide mothers and their babies with the following items: infant gowns and sleepers, crib sheets and blankets, receiving blankets, disposable diapers, wipes, diaper ointment, baby wash and lotion. Refreshments will be served. wwwbirthrightofcolumbia.org

This story was originally published December 4, 2015 at 7:00 PM.