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.

AMERICAN RED CROSS is holding a holiday blood drive 11 a.m.-4 p.m. today at MEDcareUrgent Care and Chick-fil-A, 10136 Two Notch Road. Donors will receive a free gift from Chick-fil-A and a Red Cross holiday mixing spoon, while supplies last. To schedule an appointment or find our more information, visit www.redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code “driveforlife,” call 1-800-722-2767 or download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App. Walk-ins are also welcome.

COOPERATIVE MINISTRY is seeking donations of working vehicles through Dec. 31 for Autos for Opportunities. The ministry’s team will refurbish the vehicles and donate them to people in need. To donate, call (803) 799-3853. Donations are tax deductible. www.coopmin.org.

ST. VINCENT DEPAUL SOCIETY is collecting donations for gift bags for Adopt-A-Bag for $10 each. The bags will be given to homeless gusts on Christmas morning at St. Peter’s Catholic Church along with a dinner. Make checks payable to St. Vincent dePaul Society. Send donations to Robert D. Keeder, P.O. Box 1896, Columbia SC 29201. For more information, email rkeeder0518@aol.com or call (803) 796-9802

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.

SAINT PETER’S CATHOLIC CHURCH: 30th annual Christmas Dinner 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday in the church’s Parish Life Center, 1529 Assembly St. A meal will be served to about 800 men, women and children from the streets and shelters in Columbia. Each guest will receive a new duffle bag, a hooded sweatshirt, thermal underwear, wool gloves, hats, socks, boxer shorts and toiletries provided by Red Bank Baptist Church and the Five-O-Plus Club. Reading Glasses will also be donated by Dr. Fulton J. Gasper and his family. Toys for Tots will also provide toys to children. Gift cards and stockings with goodies will be provided by St. Peter’s Women’s Sodality. (803) 779-0036

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.

This story was originally published December 21, 2015 at 7:00 PM.