Spring cleaning, as the weather warms, can refresh the home and mind while generating new energy by opening windows and decluttering.

According to National Geographic magazine, Spring cleaning is also symbolic of a fresh start. The tradition represents a “transition from the dormant winter season to the vibrant growth of spring. By purging the home of accumulated debris and organizing its contents, individuals create a cleaner living environment and a sense of mental clarity and freshness.” Spring cleaning can also be therapeutic, “causing us to feel more aware, engaged and observant,” author and psychotherapist Eloise Skinner told National Geographic.

Spring cleaning is also a ritual practiced by many in West Columbia.

“I do a spring clean every year, usually in April,” said Ann Sturkie of West Columbia. “When I spring clean, I get rid of the things I no longer need. A lot of the things I’m not using could have value to someone else, so I don’t like throwing them away. I donate them to nonprofits that can sell them.”

And there are several non-profits in West Columbia that can use your donations.

Midlands Orphan Relief 
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. Midlands Orphan Relief moved to West Columbia in the summer of 2023. And  Christie Young of MOR said the West Columbia community has been very supportive and she loves being located here. She also said MOR can use items being donated from those who are spring cleaning.

“We need clothing donated, gently used, or new,” Christie said. “We take clothing from infant to adult, up to triple extra-large. We also need tennis shows and new, or unused, toiletries. We also need children’s books and we take stuffed toys.”

Other items needed that may be new or gently used are: shirts, coats, pants, dresses, uniforms, backpacks, and pajamas. New items accepted are new underwear; socks; toothpaste, soap, and school supplies. Donate during office hours of Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. MOR Facebook  (Click Here)

The ReStore
Kevin Oliver is the General Manager of the ReStore, 2814 Augusta Rd, West Columbia. He said the store is happy to receive donations. Commonly donated items to the ReStore include: doors, windows, furniture, large and small appliances and tools.

“We have 14,000-sq.ft. and some of the most sought-after items are couches, dressers, housewares, small appliances, artwork and lighting fixtures,” Kevin said. “We have a lot of solid wood furniture. People like older furniture because it’s stronger.”

Items that are not accepted for donation are: mattresses, box springs, mini-blinds, and paint.
When you buy from the ReStore, Kevin said your ReStore purchase helps build affordable homes in the local community. He  said customers can buy  new or gently used items at the ReStore for a fraction of the cost. And a donation to the ReStore keeps 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 also schedule a pick-up.

The Restore is open Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 5 p.m. The ReStore Facebook

4 Paws Thrift Store
Do you want your spring cleaning donation to go to help animals?

4 Paws Thrift Store is at 304 12th St, West Columbia. The mission of 4 Paws is to provide shelter to dogs and cats in a home-like environment. “We have a shelter for pets and 0ne-hurndred percent of the proceeds go to care for animals,” said Pat Ballentine, executive director of 4 Paws non-profit. She said the store tends to get donations after spring  garage sales of the things that did not sell.

“Most of what we sell is clothing, gently used,” said Pat. “We like for clothing donations to be seasonal, so we don’t have to store it. We may not have the room to store it. We also take donations of furniture if we have space available.

4 Paws Thrift Store does not take strollers, car seats, beds, or broken items.

“All of the proceeds 4 Paws Thrift Store take go to shelter, or help pets, by buying food or to cover veterinary costs for things like spay and neutering,” Pat said. “We  help people who may be struggling to keep their pets. They may be struggling to buy food for their family. 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.”

Donations can be dropped off at the 4 Paws store. Other items accepted are: 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 Facebook. Click here for website

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.