(Richland PIO) – Richland County is providing two ways for the community to help children in need this holiday season through the gift of giving.

‘Stuff an Ambulance’ Toy Drive

The County’s EMS team invites residents to donate toys, clothing and other items as part of “Stuff an Ambulance,” a holiday tradition benefiting Richland County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA).

To support this year’s effort, drop off new, unwrapped donations through Thursday, Dec. 5 at EMS headquarters, 1410 Laurens St., Columbia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The EMS headquarters is next to the parking lot behind the main County Administration Building. Visitors should look for the fleet of ambulances nearby.

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

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.

For more information on “Stuff an Ambulance,” call 803-576-3409 or 803-576-3423.

‘Adopt an Angel’ Toy Drive

Residents can also sponsor a local fostered child through the County’s “Adopt an Angel” drive. As part of this effort, Richland County CASA designates local children in the court and welfare systems as “angels.” Volunteer sponsors can then donate at least one item from the child’s wish list for the holiday season.

To support this cause, residents can:

• Make a direct donation of gifts, toys or gift cards to CASA
• Sponsor a child through “Adopt an Angel.” Sponsors will receive a small amount of information about a child and a personal wish list of items to choose from.
• Hang an “Angel Tree” at their establishment. Others can then pick angels from the tree to sponsor.
• Make a monetary donation to CASA.

For more information on “Adopt an Angel,” contact Pashion Cook at 803-904-2715 or cook.pashion@richlandcountysc.gov.