Junior League of Columbia expands Little Black Dress Initiative Week with community give-back nights and blood drive
March 5, 2026
The Junior League of Columbia (JLC) is expanding its 2026 Little Black Dress Initiative (LBDI) Week, taking place March 9–13, 2026, with additional opportunities for the Midlands community to give back, including local restaurant percentage days and a community blood drive.
Originally announced in February, LBDI Week is an annual awareness and fundraising campaign designed to spark meaningful conversations about poverty in the Midlands while raising critical funds to support programs and partnerships that strengthen families across our community
Community Blood Drive – March 10
As part of this year’s initiative, the Junior League of Columbia is partnering with The Blood Connection to host a community blood drive:
Tuesday, March 10, 2026 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM Junior League of Columbia Headquarters 2629 Devine Street, Columbia, SC 29205 Sponsor Code: 87JUN
The Blood Connection will provide $30 in rewards to donors, and if the drive collects 30 or more units, the Junior League of Columbia will receive a $500 grant to further support its mission-driven community programs.
“This blood drive is a powerful way to extend the impact of LBDI Week beyond awareness and fundraising,” said JLC member Jackie Barnes. “By donating blood, community members are directly helping save lives while also supporting local poverty-relief efforts.”
Appointments are encouraged, and walk-ins are welcome as space allows.
Dine & Donate: Percentage Give-Back Days
Community members can also support LBDI Week simply by dining at participating local restaurants:
- Cantina 76 (Devine Street) – Tuesday, March 10 | 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM 10% of sales from customers who mention “JLC” when ordering will be donated back. (Valid for Dine-In and Carry-Out.)
- Za’s on Devine – Tuesday, March 10 | 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM A portion of proceeds during these hours will be distributed to support JLC initiatives.
- Lazy Daisy – Wednesday, March 11 | 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM 10% of all sales will benefit the Junior League of Columbia.
“These partnerships allow the community to participate in Little Black Dress Initiative Week in simple, accessible ways,” said Elisabeth Justice, co-chair for LBDI. “Whether you donate blood, dine local, or wear black in solidarity, every action helps move our mission forward.”
About Little Black Dress Initiative Week
During LBDI Week, Junior League members wear one black dress or a single black outfit throughout the week to symbolize the limited choices many individuals face due to financial hardship.
Members and supporters wear LBDI buttons and share their experiences on social media using #JLCLBDI and #AskMeAboutMyDress to spark conversations about poverty in the Midlands.
Funds raised during the week directly support the Junior League of Columbia’s community programs and partnerships addressing food insecurity, housing instability, and other poverty-related challenges in our region.
How to Get Involved
- Donate Online:Contributions of any amount help fund local programs that improve quality of life for children and families in the Midlands.
- Wear Black:Show your support by wearing black during LBDI Week and sharing your story on social media.
- Dine Local & Donate Blood:Participate in the March 10 blood drive or support one of the restaurant give-back days.
For more information about LBDI Week and how to support the Junior League of Columbia, visit www.jlcolumbia.org.
About the Junior League of Columbia
The Junior League of Columbia is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. For more than 100 years, the Junior League of Columbia has worked to strengthen the health and well-being of children and families throughout the Midlands.
