Richland County is joining the City of Columbia, Lexington County, the University of South Carolina and other community partners to maximize efforts to assist victims of Hurricane Harvey.

The Columbia Relief (columbiarelief.org) initiative combines city, County and university resources while providing current information for organizations and the general public to aid individuals, families and entire communities affected by the massive flooding in Texas caused by Hurricane Harvey.

“Many employees are Richland County residents who know first-hand what the people in Texas are going through and will endure in the upcoming days,” said Richland County Administrator Gerald Seals.

Beginning today, as part of Columbia Relief, Richland County is accepting supplies and monetary donations as follows:

·         Roll Cart Supply Collections: Richland County Solid Waste & Recycling is setting up lime green recycling carts to serve as donation receptacles. Collected donations will be sent directly to Houston, courtesy of Columbia Relief partner Southeastern Freight Lines.  Items currently needed include cleaning supplies (bleach, wipes, mops), nonperishable food, bottled water, clean clothes (used clothes will be accepted but they must be washed) and personal hygiene items (soap, shampoo).  Richland County’s donation receptacles are set up at the following locations:                                                                                                

Richland County Utilities, 7525 Broad River Road, Irmo

Richland County Administration Building, Third Floor, 2020 Hampton St., Columbia

Richland County Judicial Center, 1701 Main St., Columbia

Richland County Public Works, 400 Powell Road, Columbia

Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center, 201 John Mark Dial Dr., Columbia

Monetary Donations: The Richland County Ombudsman’s Office is accepting monetary donations.  Visit rcgov.us to print out a monetary donation form, which will also be available at the Ombudsman’s Office, located at the County Administration Building, 2020 Hampton Street, Columbia. All donations are tax-deductible. 

For more information, visit rcgov.us or contact the Ombudsman at 803-929-6000. For more information about the Columbia Relief initiative, visit columbiarelief.org or email cory@columbiarelief.org.