Richland County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) again is responding to the call to help disadvantaged children during the holiday season and is seeking help from the community to “Stuff an Ambulance” with unwrapped toys, blankets, book bags and more.

This year, the division of the County’s Emergency Services Department is holding its second annual toy drive. This year’s effort will benefit the Richland County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). The national award winning County advocacy program trains volunteers to help children who have entered the court and welfare systems.

“We believe that the community’s participation will greatly impact the success of the toy drive and help to make the holidays brighter for these children,” said EMS Captain Winta Adams.

The success of last year’s toy drive resulted in three ambulances being filled with toys and other essential items for children. As the EMS employees team up with fellow County employees at CASA, the goal is to gather enough toys and gifts to stuff four ambulances.

 “You can make a meaningful and lasting impact with a gift to Richland County CASA. We are working to make sure all children in our community who have experienced abuse or neglect have a caring adult who will be there for them in their darkest hours, no matter what. At present, CASA guardians are advocating for over 1,500 maltreated children in our community and your gift will brighten the holidays for these children”, said RC CASA Director Paige Green.

To take part in the toy drive, residents may drop off donations during normal County business hours through Thursday, Dec. 6 at the following locations on the campus of the Richland County Administration Building:

• Second floor of the Administration Building, 2020 Hampton St. Look for the lime green recycling cart near the Richland County Sheriff’s Department Security Office.
• Richland County EMS headquarters, 1410 Laurens St. The headquarters is located next to the surface parking lot behind the main County building. Look for the fleet of ambulances.

The stuffed ambulances, along with Santa Claus, will deliver the toys to CASA where elves – also known as CASA employees and volunteers – will get them ready to distribute to children in need.

For more information about Stuff an Ambulance, call 803-576-3409.