For the eighth consecutive holiday season, Richland County residents have the chance to help “Stuff an Ambulance” to help children in need.
Richland County EMS invites the community to donate toys, clothing and other items as part of this holiday tradition to benefit Richland County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA).
CASA is a national award-winning advocacy program that trains volunteers to help children who have entered the court and welfare systems. By advocating for these children in Richland County Family Court, CASA helps ensure every child a safe, permanent and nurturing home.
This year’s drive begins Friday, Nov. 8, with donations accepted through Thursday, Dec. 5. All donations will be delivered by the EMS team to CASA on the morning of Dec. 6.
To support this year’s effort, drop off new, unwrapped donations at EMS headquarters, 1410 Laurens St., Columbia, during weekly business hours 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The EMS headquarters is next to the parking lot behind the main County Administration Building. Visitors should look for the fleet of ambulances nearby.
People can also drop off donations from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23 at The Blake at Woodcreek Farms, 385 Spears Creek Church Road, Elgin. Look for the Richland County ambulance on site.
EMS will accept many children’s items, including:
- toys
- blankets
- socks and other clothing
- book bags
- hair products
- children’s eating utensils
- books
- gift cards
EMS hopes to receive enough toys and gifts to fill as many ambulances as possible. With help from Santa Claus, the ambulances will deliver loads of donated items to CASA, where “elves” – CASA employees and volunteers – will get them ready to distribute to children.
“The success of our annual drive to brighten the season for local children in need always relies on generous support from individuals, businesses and organizations within our community, and we are grateful,” said Richland County EMS Capt. Winta Adams.
For more information, call 803-576-3409 or 803-576-3423.