You have probably heard that song “Another Day in Paradise.” I am fairly certain it rose up the musical pop charts when it was released. The author, musician Phil Collins wanted to draw attention to the problem of homelessness. I think the lyrics say it all…people are on the street, they ask for help. Other people ignore them. Some are embarrassed, some are angry and others think this is the way that life goes. Having worked with nonprofit organizations for more than twenty years, I have always been on the side of watching out for the underserved. Whatever mission my organization supported, I was right in line with it giving my time and energy, and sometimes my money too. When I moved to Columbia, the recession just about kicked into full gear. I was trying to figure out how to make all the adjustments I needed and start a new job in support of libraries and literacy. The entire time I have been here, it has not been easy. I have watched people lose their jobs and try to feed their families. The idea of getting sick can be catastrophic. I know my medications are expensive and I have insurance. Imagine what it’s like with nothing.
As a part of the Leadership Columbia Class of 2012, the class has chosen as its service project to support the Free Medical Clinic on Harden Street and its mission of providing quality healthcare, at no cost, to residents of the community who cannot pay for such services and who have no health insurance. We are working on the existing building by providing a covered walkway and inside refurbishment, as well as coordinating a community supply drive campaign throughout February and March to collect items needed by the Clinic on a recurrent basis. For every item we can have donated, such as toilet paper, paper towel or copy paper, that is less money that is taken from providing patient care. If you live in and around the Columbia/Midlands area, be on the look out for supply drive locations.
Supply Donation Locations & Dates: All locations 9am to 3pm
Saturday, February 11th
Walgreens: 9001 Two Notch Road, Columbia, SC 29223
Walgreens: 4467 Devine Street, Columbia, SC 29205
Office Depot: 252 Harbison Blvd, Columbia, SC 29212
Saturday, February 18th
Walgreens: Village at Sandhills, 175 Forum Drive, Columbia, SC 29229
Walgreens: 3501 Forest Drive, Columbia, SC 29204
Sunday, February 19th
Walmart: 1180 Dutch Fork Road, Irmo, SC 29063
Saturday, February 25th
Walgreens: 1941 Blossom Street, Columbia, SC 29205
Walgreens: 4520 Hardscrabble Road, Columbia, SC 29229
Chick-fil-A: 2299 Augusta Road, West Columbia, SC 29169
Items Needed
Lexmark T650, HP05A, HP27x Printer Toner Cartridges
Brother TN 420, Brother TN350 Fax Machine Toner Cartidges and Drum
Extra Large Paper Lunch Bags
Paper Towels
Toilet Tissue
Letter Sized Copy Paper
Legal Sized Copy Paper
Binder Clips (All Sizes)
Disposable Rubber Gloves (Medium & Large)
Hand Soap
Hand Sanitizer
Facial Tissue
Highlighters (yellow, green, pink)
Pens (black, blue)
File Folders
Letter Sized Note Tablets
Printer Ink Cartridges: HP 57, HP 56
Paper Clips (large, regular)
Staples
Office tape
Packing tape
Gift cards: Walgreens, Office Depot, Walmart
Please also help us spread the word. There are Saturday supply drop offs going on all month as well as other special events. You can keep up to date with all the events through the blog: http://freemedicalcliniclifesaver.wordpress.com and Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BeaLifeSaver.
