Circle of Welcome

Our Circle of Welcome team provides direct support to a local refugee family for up to a year. A ministry of Lutheran Family Services, Circle of Welcome improves outcomes for refugee families arriving in the United States, provides longer-term integration (rather than just short-term stabilization) and provides an avenue for forming friendships. Background checks are required and a training session must be completed before volunteers may take an active role.

Cooperative Ministry

In 1982 The Cooperative Ministry was founded by churches in downtown Columbia to establish a collaborative method of administering assistance to those in need, while also preventing duplication of services. Since then, TCM has grown to encompass congregations of all faiths, over 120 partnering agencies, and countless civic and social organizations, foundations, businesses and individuals. TCM believes in the honor of all work and shows all people the respect and dignity they deserve. Services include career training, income tax preparation, a clothing and furniture bank, and assistance with food, insurance, utilities, and more. Shandon is a long-time partner of this community effort.

Emergency Assistance

In addition to referring individuals to other community resources, we also provide direct assistance to those in need. We cannot be the sole source of financial support in the long-term, we do everything we can to ensure those who come to us for help have their most immediate needs met. If you would like to contribute funds to this effort, designate your gift to the Pastors’ Fund.

EMS Clothes Closet

Founded in 2019 by three generations of educators, the EMS Clothes Closet provides clothing to children in poverty throughout the Richland school districts. They collect new underwear, socks, stuffed animals and books for children K-12 whose families are experiencing economic hardship. New and gently used clothing and coats are also collected. Shandon has permanent donation boxes available year-round and partners with EMS Closet to participate in sorting, folding, and preparing donations. 

Family Promise 

Family Promise of the Midlands helps families experiencing homelessness achieve sustainable independence. While families work toward that goal, local congregations provide temporary shelter and hospitality. Prior to Covid, Shandon hosted families in our church building, providing shelter, meals, and toiletries. During Covid, Family Promise invited congregations financially support families in hotels. Shandon has continued to support Family Promise as they continue to discern the most effective outreach to families in need. Volunteers also help lead a summer camp experience for Family Promise children.

Harvest Hope

Harvest Hope is South Carolina’s largest food bank, on a mission to eliminate hunger and food insecurity across the state. In addition to permanent contribution bins located at the church, Shandon hosts an annual food drive in October. Additionally, many members volunteer at Harvest Hope, packing and preparing food for pick-up.

Keep the Midlands Beautiful 

KTMB is dedicated to engaging, inspiring, and educating the Midlands with litter prevention, recycling, and beautification. Shandon has an “adoption agreement” for Woodrow Street. At least quarterly (and more often as the need arises), Shandon volunteers gather to pick up trash and recycling on a number of blocks near the church.

Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels provides home-delivered meals to elderly, frail, and homebound residents in Richland County. Meals are delivered at lunch five days a week by caring volunteers. Shandon has taken responsibility for covering one day per week. To volunteer with Meals on Wheels, volunteers must have their own transportation or must partner with someone who does.

MORE Justice 

MORE Justice is a network of faith-based congregations which are culturally, economically, racially, geographically and religiously diverse coming together to fulfill our scriptural mandate to “do justice” and make the Central Midlands area a more just place to live for all people. We work together to empower marginalized people and act powerfully to address serious community wide problems through direct action. Participating as a member congregation of MORE Justice reflects Shandon’s commitment to working for systemic change.

Transitions Housing & Meals

Transitions Homeless Center is the Midlands’ largest outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness (ages 18 and older). Transitions offers access to our day center, hot meals, showers, service providers, and housing. Transitions serves three meals every day, 365 days of the year. On average, they serve 575 meals per day. SPC has taken responsibility for serving on the first Sunday evening of each month. Sign up to serve by clicking here.

Washington Street Soup Cellar 

The Washington Street Soup Cellar is a ministry of Washington Street United Methodist Church. Their soup cellar, located in the church’s basement, feeds 150-200 individuals, serving lunch five days a week in downtown Columbia. SPC participates in preparing and serving meals each month.

Weekend Backpack Food Program

The Weekend Backpack Food Program provides meals and high nutrition snacks for children after school. Many children only eat at school, and dread going home for the weekend when they know they will be hungry. The backpack programs operate during the school year and provide children who are at risk of hunger with healthy nutritious food to take home for the weekend, during school vacations, and on holidays. Shandon regularly collects food, prepares the backpacks, and delivers them to local schools. For opportunities to serve, click here.