Many new businesses are coming to West Columbia because of its central location. In addition to businesses, West Columbia is home to some nonprofit organizations.

National Do Something Nice Day is celebrated on Oct. 5, each year. It’s a day to spread kindness and positivity by doing or saying nice things to others. The goal is to make people feel happy and to counter negativity in the world. It would be a good day to volunteer or donate to a West Columbia non-profit.

And with the holiday season in the near future, consider making a charitable contribution to a local non-profit. Click here for a list of South Carolina non-profits and charities

The nonprofits that are based in West Columbia are happy to be your neighbors. 

“We love being in West Columbia,” said Christie Young, Distribution and Program Coordinator for Midlands Orphan Relief. The nonprofit opened in the summer of 2023 at 1332 D Ave. “Our building is in a great location. We’re only a short drive from the interstates, and we’re close to everything else, including Downtown Columbia. West Columbia is really growing and we really enjoy being here.”

Melora Allen is an Information and Resource Specialist for the South Carolina Autism Society- at 806 12th St. She said the South Carolina Autism Society has been in West Columbia for as long as she can remember. 

“The South Carolina Autism Society definitely benefits from its location in West Columbia,” said Allen.  “We’re not hard to find and we have easy access to all the interstates. And there’s so much all around us. We’re in a very good location.” 

Thrift Avenue, a PETS Inc. charity, is at 1217 Sunset Blvd., West Columbia. “The thrift store’s location is convenient for shoppers, and the store takes dropped-off donations. Since being located on Sunset Boulevard means it’s easy to find for donors,” said Renee Murray, manager of Thrift Avenue.  

Below is a list of some of the non-profit organizations that call West Columbia Home: 

The Pets Inc. https://petsinc.org/ – 300 Orchard Dr. West Columbia

The mission of PETSinc is to assist the SC Midlands and surrounding counties with rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming unwanted and homeless dogs and cats through addressing each animal’s physical and emotional needs, providing medical, nutritional, and rehabilitation services to ensure successful life-long adoptions; provide a low-cost, full-service veterinary clinic, including spay-neuter surgeries to help control pet and shelter overpopulation; and to bring public awareness and education about the causes and solutions to the dramatic plight of hundreds of thousands homeless dogs and cats in the United States.
Click link to donate: https://petsinc.org/donate/

Midlands Orphan Relief –  https://midlandsorphanrelief.org/ – 332 D Ave, West Columbia.

The mission of Midlands Orphan Relief and Lowcountry Orphan Relief is to provide support services and aid to meet the needs of South Carolina children identified as at-risk or suffering from abandonment, abuse and/or neglect. No child should be without the basic necessities in life, regardless of their life circumstances. All children have intrinsic value and deserve to be nurtured, loved and protected. They are entitled to have caring adults who help them develop to their full potential. Together we have an opportunity to contribute to our children’s future, be part of an enduring effort that promotes safety and the well being of our children, providing them with the necessities of life and a welcoming, safe environment.
Click link to donate:  https://midlandsorphanrelief.org/donate/

South Carolina Autism Society – https://scautism.org/ – 806 12th St. West Columbia.

South Carolina Autism Society is the only state-wide organization advocating for Autistic children and adults and their families.  The Autism Society of South Carolina provides assistance, education, services, and resources to improve the lives of Autistic individuals.  Every dollar that we raise stays in South Carolina to ensure that the nearly 70,000 Autistic individuals living in South Carolina have opportunities to achieve a quality of life comparable to their peers.
Click link to donate: https://www.classy.org/give/384232/#!/donation/checkout

United Cerebral Palsy of South Carolina – https://www.ucpsc.org/  – 1101 Harbor Dr., West Columbia.

The mission of United Cerebral Palsy of South Carolina is to positively support and impact the achievement of a Life Without Limits for people with disabilities. United Cerebral Palsy of South Carolina works to assist in, and provide support for, the achievement of goals set by individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, and support efforts to prevent developmental disabilities and minimize their effects. Click link to donate: https://www.ucpsc.org/give/

Other non-profits: West Columbia Beautification Foundation – works to involve the entire community in positive beautification efforts; Arc of the Midlands – Lexington – advocates for and serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families; Taylor Watford Foundation  To assist with the funding for those seeking to initiate treatment to overcome substance abuse and start a new life in recovery. The South Carolina Association of the Deaf (SCAD) is a non-profit statewide organization working with and for the South Carolina Deaf and Hard of Hearing people.

West Columbia is an appealing place to live and work. West Columbia also attracts state-based non-profit organizations that enjoy the easy access and central location West Columbia provides for them.