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🧹 ‘Tis cleaning season
Volunteers help sort donated supplies at Habitat for Humanity. | Photo via @midlandshabitat
Flowers are blooming, birds are chirping, and spring isn’t just bringing warmer weather — it’s also 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.
Furniture + large hauls
Oliver Gospel Thrift
In addition to clothing and shoes, you can donate furniture, appliances, and working electronics. The organization also offers pickups on Wednesdays + Friday.
Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity ReStore
Help someone with their next home project or repair by donating home goods, supplies, furniture, and equipment to this West Columbia store. Pickups may be available if you have a larger haul.
Clothing
Thrift Avenue Thrift Store
This shop supports PETSinc, benefiting pets in the Midlands area. It accepts clothing and other items like pet supplies, toys, and small appliances.
Palmetto State Teachers Association
Help SC’s teachers dress to impress by donating professional clothing like shirts, blouses, suits, ties, and skirts.
Asked
Asked
What are you doing with items you no longer need?
A. Donating them B. Selling them C. Throwing them away D. Letting them pile up
Rabbit Food Salad and Smoothie Bar will hold its grand opening on Monday, March 30 at 11 a.m. on Gervais Street in the Vista. The restaurant will offer salads, sandwiches, bagels, croissants, and smoothies. (The State)
Development
The Woodley, a 102-unit apartment complex planned for Main Street near Elmwood Avenue, could begin construction soon after the city issued land disturbance and building permits. According to the project’s website, completion is targeted for late 2026. (The Post and Courier)
Ranked
Several Columbia-area high schools appear in SC’s latest U.S. News rankings, led by Spring Hill High (No. 4 statewide) and Chapin High (No. 7). Dutch Fork, Dreher, and A.C. Flora also placed in the top 20, with five more local schools rounding out the top 10. (The State)
Closing
The Drew Wellness Center pool will close Monday, April 13 for renovations, including resurfacing, tile replacement, and lighting upgrades. Work at The Drew begins Wednesday, April 15 and is expected to last about eight weeks. Members can use the Maxcy Gregg Pool starting Saturday, May 23 during the closure.
Show
World Ballet Company will perform “Swan Lake” at the Koger Center for the Arts on Tuesday, April 28 at 7:30 p.m. The touring production features a live orchestra performing Tchaikovsky’s score.
Community
The Forest Acres Farmers Market will hold a soft opening on Wednesday, April 1, followed by a kickoff celebration on Wednesday, April 22. The weekly market will feature local vendors, with the kickoff event including a food truck, youth workout, and family-friendly activities.
Health
Your health deserves a plan, not a guess. ReadyRX’s GLP-1 program is designed to support steady progress through expert-led care. If your BMI is 27+, you may qualify for 24/7 medical access and program support. Check your eligibility and save $100 as a new patient with code HEALTH100.*
Once open, the center will offer visitors a new way to connect with wildlife + and conservation, with more opportunities for hands-on learning both in and out of the classroom.
New deals on best-selling apparel, top-rated home appliances, beauty must-haves, and more drop every day until Tuesday, March 31, thanks to Amazon’s Big Spring Sale. These are our top five for today:
🫧 Stock up on Olaplex’s weightless dry shampoo while it’s on sale for the lowest price yet this year.
🍚 Make the perfect rice every time thanks to the discount on this top-rated rice cooker.
👠 Hurry — the deal on these date night-ready heeled sandals is only available until this afternoon.
🏓 Also only available until this afternoon is the deal on this 4.7-star rated pickleball set that features lightweight paddles, balls, and a case.
🧴 Take 50% off Neutrogena’s rapid wrinkle repair moisturizer that boosts skin elasticity + reduces fine lines.
It’s cherry blossom season, and if a trip to Northern Virginia isn’t on your list, Irmo Town Park has you covered this Saturday, March 21. Start the day browsing Japanese imported cars, then finish with a kimono stroll among the blooms.
