Volunteers help sort donated supplies at Habitat for Humanity. | Photo via @midlandshabitat
Spring is officially here, and it’s not just a season for warmer weather and renewal — it’s also a time to clean. If you find yourself doing some decluttering this season, you can give new life to like-new and gently used items by donating them to organizations in the Columbia area.
The Cooperative Ministry
Support low-income Richland County residents by donating gently worn clothing and well-maintained furniture.
Oliver Gospel Thrift
You can donate clothing, furniture, appliances, and working electronics. The organization also offers pickups on Wednesdays + Friday.
Palmetto Thrift Store
This shop is looking for clothing, shoes, purses, and accessory donations. It also accepts some appliances and furniture with the option to schedule a pickup for larger items.
Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity ReStore
Help with house projects by donating home goods, supplies, furniture, and equipment to this West Columbia store. Pickups may be available if you have a larger haul.
Third Thursday Art Night with Thomas Washington | 5:30 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts | Free | Celebrate the works of this month’s featured artist in the Nook — his art will occupy the gallery through Sunday, April 13.
Paul Dozier: The Soul Jazz Experience | 8-10 p.m. | Chayz Lounge, West Columbia | $30 | The artist, guitarist, and singer shares his interpretation of songs by musicians like Stevie Wonder, The Jackson 5, and Sade.
Saturday, March 22
Columbia Brick Con | Saturday, March 22-Sunday, March 23 | Times vary | The Oaks Venue | $3+ | Build your LEGO enthusiasm as you browse displays, explore the vendor’s market, and build your own creations.
Soiree on State | 2-8 p.m. | State Street from Poplar Avenue to Railroad Street, Cayce | Free entry | Celebrate art and community with live music, food vendors, artists, and kid’s activities.
Looking Glass: A Surrealist Gala | 7-11 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art | $80+ | Immerse yourself in a night of otherworldly art with food, cocktails from the Dali Bar, and an art auction selling works from local artists — funds support the Columbia Museum of Art.
Mustache the Band | 8 p.m. | The Senate | $15 | Get movin’ and groovin’ as you relive 1990s country classics with this cover band.
Sunday, March 23
Hops + Shops | 12-5 p.m. | Columbia Craft | Free | Support small businesses at this alternative upscale market with 30+ vendors, drinks, and food for sale by Parabellum Mobile.
Olympia won a trip to Las Vegas by entering the GOLD RUSH second-chance promotion. | Photo by the South Carolina Education Lottery
Wondering your chances of winning the lottery? Put away your calculators, because the South Carolina Education Lottery did the math for you.
The odds are different for every game, so review the specifics before picking a ticket that’s right for you. Psst... You’re more likely to win a smaller prize than a larger one. Still have questions? Check out this helpful video.
Columbia City Council approved the first round of an appeal that would allow taller buildings and eliminate the 75-ft height limit in the Vista and parts of downtown. The amendment could support a potential Columbia Convention Center hotel, but another round of voting is needed before changes are approved. (The Post and Courier)
Development
Lexington County is planning to add a new exit off of Interstate 20 near Calks Ferry Road. Lexington City Council voted to accept an engineering contract to support the $1 million project that’s still in its early stages. Before construction can begin, a traffic study must be conducted. (The State)
Coming Soon
West Columbia will soon be able to tune in to Ikie Lu Record Club, a cocktail lounge off Sunset Boulevard that’s on track to open in May. The record club aims to introduce the area to jazz kissa, a Japanese term for a lounge that appreciates jazz while sipping drinks. (The Post and Courier)
Featured
Little Pigs Barbecue has cooked the competition. The longstanding Columbia restaurant was named the Midlands’ favorite barbecue spot in a recent poll by The State. The eatery has been a part of the community since 1962 and claims its special sauce is consistency.
Announced
Columbia City Council has given locals another reason to be grateful this month by naming March 2025 “Social Work Month.” The declaration celebrates the hard work and compassion of the city’s social workers and their commitment to providing housing to locals.
Small Biz
Good things come in small packages. We’ll be celebrating Small Business Week, an initiative to highlight our city’s local enterprises from Sunday, May 4 to Saturday, May 10. If you own a local small business, join us by filling out a form about your business.
Sports
The Hurricanes are storming west to California for three games starting today. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Carolina Hurricanes with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Fact or Fiction
Fact: Some credit cards can actually help you get out of debt faster. (It sounds wild, but it’s true.) The secret: Find a credit card with a “0% intro APR” period for balance transfers. This one even offers 5% cash back on your purchases.*
Stat
Every six seconds. That’s how often a pet owner spends $1,000+ in unforeseen care costs for their fur baby. Pet insurance could cover up to 90% of these costs — find the right plan.*
Category
Real Estate
What’s missing in the Brookland development?
Presented by Trinity Partners
121 State St. is located on the ground floor of Brookland, a vibrant live-work-play community in the heart of West Columbia. | Photos provided by Trinity Partners
This prime retail space offers high visibility, steady foot traffic, and stunning views of the Congaree River. Plus, it’s conveniently located just across the bridge from downtown Columbia.
I’ve been working on my downward dog, so I was excited to see that Fit Columbia has yoga with dachshund puppies on its schedule. Unsurprisingly, this weekend’s class is sold out, but the studio has more sessions with furry friends on its schedule. Keep your eyes peeled if you want to join a future dog yoga class, or try a class with kittens or baby goats.
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