Coordinated effort to assist victims of Hurricane Harvey from Columbia, SC

In 2015, in the aftermath of Hurricane Joaquin, Columbia and the Midlands area received support from around the country. Now, it’s our turn to give back. Governments, businesses, and nonprofits from across the region are joining together to support those affected by Hurricane Harvey in support of Columbia Relief. We are in communication with Mayor Turner and members of Houston City Council, and all donations will go directly to those most in need. Information will continue to be updated on columbiarelief.org

The partnership includes:

Governments
The City of Columbia
Richland County
Lexington County

Public Sector and Nonprofit Partners
University of South Carolina
Gamecock Athletics
SC State Museum
Experience Columbia SC
SCANA
SCE&G
Student Government at the University of South Carolina
United Way of the Midlands

Private Sector Partners
Kiki’s Chicken and Waffles
Southeastern Freight Lines
Hammond School
Upland Mobile Messaging
Children’s Learning Place
Edens Real Estate
Soda City Market
Yoga Masala

Religious Group Partners
First Nazareth Church
Forward City Church
Refuge Temple Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Elevation Church

Organizations looking to join the partnership can email Taylor Wright at [email protected]

Donation bins will be available at the following locations during business hours until further notice:
Kiki’s Chicken and Waffles
Columbia Convention Center and Visitors’ Bureau
Hammond School
Children’s Learning Place
First Nazareth Church
Refuge Temple Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ
United Way of the Midlands
Yoga Masala (Bluff Road and Main Street locations)

Donation bins will be available at the following locations on specific days:
SC State Museum (Sunday, 10am – 4pm)
Forward City Church (Sunday)
Elevation Church (Sunday)
Soda City Market (Saturday, 9am – 1pm)
Gamecock Athletics Village (Tuesday and Wednesday 8:30am – 5pm)
UofSC Visitors’ Center (Tuesday and Wednesday 8:30am – 5pm)
MyCarolina Alumni Center (Tuesday and Wednesday 8:30am – 5pm)

Requested Items:
Cleaning supplies (bleach, bleach wipes, mops, gloves, clean rags)
Clean clothes (all styles and sizes. Used items are okay, as long as they are washed and clean)
Non-perishable food
Personal hygiene products (soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, etc)

Financial Donations:
We are encouraging monetary donations to go to:
Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund: ghcf.org/hurricane-relief
Red Cross: redcross.org/donate/donation
United Way: unitedwayhouston.org/flood/flood-donation

Text to Donate: HARVEY to 662266 (money goes directly to the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund)

Statements from Partners:

“Almost two years ago, Columbia experienced devastating flooding that we are still feeling the effects of today. Though it proved to be difficult, the resilience of our city shined in those dark times. Now, it’s our turn to help our friends in Houston and Southeast Texas as they face the effects of Hurricane Harvey. We know firsthand how much is needed during times of crises. Let’s show them what it looks like for our #ColumbiaStrong family to support them in their time of need.” – Mayor Steve Benjamin (Columbia, SC)

“As a student body at the University of South Carolina who has experienced the impact of flooding on our campus and community, we empathize with the people of Texas and offer our full support to assist with those in need. We look forward to partnering with numerous entities in and around the City of Columbia as we come together to provide relief to those who have been so severely impacted by this tragedy.” – Ross Lordo, University of South Carolina Student Body President

“The people of Houston have gone through terrible devastation with Hurricane Harvey. I’d like to encourage everyone to give to help those in the Houston area that need our assistance.” – Ray Tanner, University of South Carolina Athletics Director