It’s April and the temperatures are rising. It’s the time of the year that many people do their spring cleaning. If you’re getting rid of useful items that you no longer need, there are several non-profit organizations that will take usable donations. 

Midlands Orphan Relief is at 1332 D Avenue in West Columbia. The vision of Midlands Orphan Relief is that no child should be without the basic necessities in life, regardless of their life circumstances. Midlands Orphan Relief works 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.

Christie Young of Midlands Orphan Relief said donations are always welcome and needed. Items needed that may be new or gently used are: shirts, pants, dresses, stuffed toys, uniforms, shoes, backpacks, pajamas, coats and books. New items accepted are new underwear; socks; toothpaste, soap, other toiletries and school supplies. Donate during office hours of Monday through Friday from 9 AM – 4 PM. MOR Website You can also drop off your donation at a Neighborhood Captain location (Click Here)

There are some nonprofits that serve the pet world. 4 Paws Thrift Store is at 304 12th St, West Columbia,Using a team of regulars and part-time volunteers, the mission of 4 Paws is to provide a safe haven to dogs and cats in a home-like environment.

Pat Ballentine is the manager of 4 Paws Thrift Store. She said the store tends to get donations after spring  garage sales of the things that did not sell. She also said the proceeds raised at the store go to help people who may be struggling to keep their pets.

“We help people who may be struggling to buy food for their family,” she said. “We can help them buy food for their dog, so they can keep their dog. Shelters may be full, so we work to help pet owners keep their animals in their homes instead of taking them to a shelter. We also help them pay veterinary bills if they don’t have the money to pay. 

Donations can be dropped off at the 4 Paws store. Pat said the store accepts clothing, shoes, kitchen items, and other household items, including fans, lamps, coffee makers and more. 4Paws is open Tuesday through Saturday and closes at 6 p.m. Donations are to be made in the back of the store, during store hours. 4 Paws on FacebookThe Habitat for Humanity ReStore is at 2814 Augusta Rd, West Columbia. The

items for sale in the ReStore are donated by individuals, businesses, contractors, and retailers from across the Midlands.

Mary See of the ReStore said the store receives dozens of donations each week, and merchandise is constantly changing. Commonly donated items to the ReStore include: doors, windows, furniture, large and small appliances and tools. To see a list: click here.

Items that are not accepted for donation are: mattresses, box springs, mini-blinds, and paint. 
When you buy from the ReStore, Your purchase helps build affordable homes in the SC Midlands. Mary said customers can save 30-to-70 percent by buying new or gently used items at the ReStore. She also said  last year the ReStore kept 340 tons of material out of local landfills.

All donations to the ReStore are tax deductible!. You can  drop off your donation at 2814 Augusta Rd, , or schedule a pick-up by calling (803) 936-0090. You can slso schedule a pick-up with the ReStore’s partner organization, Resupply.  For a small fee, Resupply can schedule your item(s) to be picked up within 48hrs. To schedule through Resupply, You can click on the Donation Pickup button here.

So if you have quality items that you are not using anymore, and you want to help nonprofits in West Columbia, you can make a donation. 

Below is a list of West Columbia Nonprofits: 

• Midlands Orphan Relief 1332 D Ave.
• Thrifty Paws Boutique  1230 C Ave.
• Thrift Avenue Thrift Store 1217 Sunset Blvd.
• Habitat for Humanity ReStore 2814 Augusta Rd. 
• 4 Paws Thrift Store 304 12th St.
• His House Thrift Store 765 Meeting St. 
• Goodwill 2119 Sunset Blvd.