Columbia, South Carolina – In a heartfelt effort to support the city’s most vulnerable residents, the City of Columbia’s Homeless Services Division, alongside Columbia Parks and Recreation, is inviting the public to take part in a special community event on Friday, October 10, 2025, in recognition of World Homeless Day.
Held at Martin Luther King Jr. Park, located at 2300 Greene Street, the Stuff-a-Van event aims to collect essential hygiene supplies that will be directly distributed to individuals experiencing homelessness across Columbia. The drop-off window for donations will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., giving residents plenty of time to stop by and contribute.
Donations That Deliver Dignity
Organizers are requesting a wide range of hygiene products to meet the immediate needs of the city’s unhoused population. Among the most-needed items are:
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Toothpaste and toothbrushes
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Deodorant
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Soap and body wash
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Shampoo and conditioner
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Lotion
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Feminine hygiene products including pads, tampons, and wipes
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Hand sanitizer
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Combs and hairbrushes
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Razors and shaving cream
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Wet wipes
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Socks
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Towels and washcloths
“Your support makes a real difference! Every donated item helps bring comfort, dignity, and hope to someone experiencing homelessness in Columbia,” the Homeless Services Division emphasized.
The van stationed at MLK Park will serve as a collection point for all donated goods, which will be delivered directly to individuals in need. The event is designed not only to provide tangible support but also to remind the community that small acts of kindness can create meaningful change.
Turning Compassion Into Action
The Stuff-a-Van event is more than just a donation drive. It is a city-wide invitation to reflect, support, and act. World Homeless Day offers a chance to honor those struggling with housing insecurity and to rally together in service.
For those unable to attend but still wishing to contribute, officials recommend coordinating with Columbia’s Homeless Services Division to arrange alternate donation methods.
This simple act—donating a toothbrush, a pair of socks, or a bottle of shampoo—can offer someone more than just a necessity. It can offer dignity. It can offer hope.
