Columbia Hosts One-Day Donation Drive for Homeless

City leaders aim to meet immediate needs and provide comfort, dignity, and stability to unhoused residents.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 3:40am

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An abstract, out-of-focus scene depicting the soft, warm glow of a volunteer sorting through donated items, conveying the compassionate spirit of the donation drive.A community-driven donation drive aims to provide immediate relief and support to those experiencing homelessness in Columbia.Columbia Today

The City of Columbia, South Carolina held a one-day donation drive on Wednesday to collect a variety of items for those experiencing homelessness in the community. The drive, organized by the city's homeless services and development departments, accepted donations ranging from hygiene products and cleaning supplies to bedding and kitchen essentials. All collected items will go directly to support unsheltered residents and operations at Rapid Shelter Columbia.

Why it matters

This donation drive is part of the city's efforts to support its homeless population and provide immediate relief during National Volunteer Month. By encouraging community members to contribute, the city aims to meet the basic needs of those experiencing homelessness and offer comfort, dignity, and stability to this vulnerable group.

The details

The one-day donation drive took place on Wednesday and was organized by the City of Columbia's homeless services and city development departments. Residents were encouraged to donate a variety of items, including hygiene products, cleaning supplies, bedding, and kitchen essentials. All collected donations will be distributed to support unsheltered residents and operations at Rapid Shelter Columbia, a local organization that provides services to the homeless.

  • The donation drive was held on Wednesday, April 9, 2026.

The players

Johnasten Cooper

City of Columbia Homeless Services Project Coordinator.

Rapid Shelter Columbia

A local organization that provides services to the homeless in Columbia.

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What they’re saying

“We are in most need of anything that anybody is willing to give. A part of National Volunteer Month is just having the opportunity to give from the heart. So, anything that anybody wants to give is useful, it's valuable, and there's someone that can use it.”

— Johnasten Cooper, City of Columbia Homeless Services Project Coordinator

The takeaway

This donation drive demonstrates the city's commitment to supporting its homeless population and leveraging community involvement to provide immediate relief and resources to those in need.