Join us in loving and serving our city for the sake of the gospel! As you seek to Love Cola with Shandon, please pray for and consider serving with partners and ministries we support.
Local Partners
Local Schools
Questions about local partners or volunteer opportunities? Email here.
SHANDON MINISTRIES
Shandon Internationals | Serve international students at USC and international teachers serving in Richland County schools with friendship, meals, language practice, transportation, and special events.
Shandon Refugee Ministry | Serve families from war-torn nations who've resettled in Columbia. Opportunities include Good News Club and similar outreach to children, Cookies & Caroling at Christmas, Bible studies and English language practice for adults, FoodShare fresh produce distribution, childcare and transportation for ESL students, Circle of Welcome volunteers (ideal for several families, a SS class or small group), and more.
Shandon Disaster Relief | Join our trained chainsaw team, help clear debris, or serve as a chaplain to bring help, hope, and healing after a crisis. Ask to be added to our DR email list for alerts of future trainings and deployments.
Local Schools | With 22 public schools in a five-mile radius, there are countless opportunities to bless teachers, staff, students, and families. Volunteer as a reading buddy, lunch buddy, mentor, prayer partner, School Improvement Council member, or show some teacher and staff appreciation at select schools with other Shandon members, or at the school nearest you. We can help you connect or brainstorm ideas.
First Responders | This emerging opportunity involves providing snacks and meals for EMS, fire, and law enforcement officers as they gather together for Bible study and fellowship. Be creative with a class, small group, or other families to bless the station nearest you! As this ministry develops, we're also looking for those retired from law enforcement, fire service, or EMS to serve as peer-to-peer mentors or devotional leaders.
OUTSIDE THE WALLS
A Moment of Hope | Serve as a trained sidewalk counselor or join a Pregnancy Care Team (women or couples) to walk alongside a mother who has chosen life for her unborn child.
Carolina BCM | Provide weekly Thursday night grocery store runs for international students. APPLY HERE
The Cooperative Ministry | Volunteer as a clothing sorter, receptionist, client interviewer, clerical assistant, or prayer partner. You can also donate new or gently used clothing or furniture, or purchase items to restock their food pantry or hygiene kits.
CRU Military | Greet, teach, and disciple basic training recruits at Fort Jackson. CRU needs 8-10 adult volunteers to provide weekly Sunday School classes for every battalion. Teach or greet on post before coming to Shandon for worship or class. Email to connect with the area director.
Daybreak LifeCare Center | Assist with mailings and clerical projects, organize Baby Boutique donations, or serve as a Client Advocate or Male Mentor for men and women facing an unplanned pregnancy.
Ezekiel Ministries | Mentor a child in need, serve in their Afterschool Program, or donate snack items, paper products, and cleaning supplies. You can also volunteer with EZE Farms, their sustainable urban farm that provides apprenticeship opportunities for middle and high school boys.
FoodShare | Help pack fresh produce boxes, deliver boxes to those without transportation, or coordinate orders at a pick-up site. A great family project!
Home Works | Middle school students through adults can volunteer for compassionate construction projects for homeowners in need. Ask us about their Ambassador program, designed to share God's love with every homeowner. You can also donate needed tools and supplies from their Wish List.
Jubilee Academy | This year-round, independent, faith-based Montessori school provides programming for infants through fifth grade. Volunteer to sit with students during nap time, provide healthy snacks, run errands, encourage parents and staff, complete campus improvement projects, or purchase items from their Amazon Wish List.
Lutheran Services Carolinas | Serve refugee families by tutoring children, mentoring adults, providing transportation, or applying for their Circle of Welcome program. Ask us about upcoming training and outreach opportunities!
Oliver Gospel/Toby’s Place | Serve a meal to homeless guests and residents, lead Friday devotions at Toby's Place, sort clothing and other items at Oliver Gospel Thrift Store, and more.
Providence Home | Cook and serve a meal to men in residence, host an off-site recreational outing, lead devotions or speak in chapel, serve as a mentor or discipleship partner, or donate needed items including new or gently used men's clothing and shoes for this downtown ministry serving men in crisis.
Richland County Foster Parent Association: Sponsor a child for Christmas, provide childcare for parent meetings, offer respite care for foster parents, help with clerical and office projects, and prayerfully consider becoming a foster parent! There are 500 kids on the Christmas list this year.
Ronald McDonald House | Purchase and deliver specific menu items for family meals on Monday nights, or donate items from their Amazon Wish List.
Victory Ranch | Assist with campus improvement projects, contribute "handyman" skills (remodeling, carpentry, masonry, plumbing, electrical), and ask about donating non-perishable food items or preparing and serving meals to military guests.
Questions about local partners or volunteer opportunities? Email here.