‘Stuff an Ambulance’ to help Richland County EMS, local children

In Richland County, the spirit of giving is alive all year long. For the ninth consecutive holiday season, the County’s EMS employees are collecting toys, clothing and other items for local children in need – and they’re asking the community to join in the effort.

Through Dec. 4, residents can help “Stuff an Ambulance” by dropping off new, unwrapped items at EMS Headquarters in downtown Columbia. The items will benefit Richland County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), a national award-winning advocacy program that trains volunteers to help children who have entered the court and welfare systems.

In 2024, with some help from Santa Claus, Richland County EMS delivered five ambulances filled with donated gifts to CASA, where “elves” – employees and volunteers with the advocacy program – got them ready to distribute to children in the family court system.

To support this year’s effort, drop off donations at EMS Headquarters, 1410 Laurens St., Columbia, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The headquarters is next to the parking lot behind the main County Administration Building. Visitors should look for the fleet of ambulances nearby.

EMS will accept many children’s items, including:

• toys
• blankets
• socks and other clothing
• book bags
• hair products
• children’s eating utensils
• books
• gift cards

For more information, call Capt. Winta Adams or Lt. Kaitlyn Griffin: 803-576-3409.

About Richland County

 The County Government is dedicated to providing exceptional public services through effective planning, proactive leadership, and inclusive governance to ensure that all residents, visitors, and businesses have equitable opportunities and improved quality of life today and in the future.