GET INVOLVED
Give your time. Share hope.
Your compassion can help veterans, young people, and individuals returning to the community take their next step toward stability.
Serve on your own or bring your church, workplace, or community group. There are meaningful ways to help through your time, talents, and generosity.
Find your way to make a difference
Give your time
Help with a one-time project, mentor a young person, or spend time with veterans.
Collect needed items
Organize a drive for clothing, hygiene products, or essentials for a new home.
Share your skills
Offer tutoring, grooming services, workshops, or other support where listed below.
Explore opportunities by location
Find a program near you and see how you can help. Connect with AWS staff before organizing a drive or planning a visit so we can coordinate current needs.
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Collect needed items
Move out kits: Cleaning supplies, bedding, towels, paper goods, cookware, kitchen utensils, plates, cups, brooms, vacuums, lamps, accessories, hangers, batteries, lightbulbs, and tools.
Men’s clothing: Socks, T-shirts, undergarments, casual and interview clothing, winter coats, hats, scarves, and gloves.
Men’s hygiene products: Soap, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, disposable razors, combs, brushes, shampoo, and conditioner.
One-time projects
Repair back porch screens.
Plant flowers out front.
Ongoing ways to serve
Grounds work and general cleanout.
Arts and crafts, exercise, and cooking programs.
Visits with veterans and meal preparation.
Trivia and other entertainment.
Haircuts and grooming; financial or legal workshops.
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Collect needed items
Move out kits: Cleaning supplies, bedding, towels, paper goods, cookware, kitchen utensils, plates, cups, brooms, vacuums, lamps, accessories, hangers, batteries, lightbulbs, and tools.
Men’s clothing: Socks, T-shirts, undergarments, casual and interview clothing, winter coats, hats, scarves, and gloves.
Men’s hygiene products: Soap, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, disposable razors, combs, brushes, shampoo, and conditioner.
Ongoing ways to serve
Grounds work and general cleanout.
Arts and crafts, exercise, and cooking programs.
Visits with veterans and meal preparation.
Trivia and other entertainment.
Haircuts and grooming; financial or legal workshops.
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Boys ages 11-21
Collect needed items
Body wash, deodorant, lotion, toothpaste, and toothbrushes.
New socks and underwear; clothing and shoes.
Basketballs, board games, cards, PS5 games, and reading materials.
Larger projects: Ping-pong table and outdoor volleyball set.
One-time projects
Plant a community garden.
Collect gift cards for Christmas gifts or the boys.
Ongoing ways to serve
Mentoring.
Tutoring and homework support.
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Collect needed items
Hygiene products for men and women: Soap, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, body lotion, disposable razors, combs, brushes, shampoo, and conditioner.
Clothing or men and women: Socks, T-shirts, undergarments, casual clothing, and seasonal clothing.
Women Ready to Work
A proposed Midlands project to collect workplace clothing and personal care essentials for women returning to the community.
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Collect needed items
Hygiene products or men and women.
Underwear, T-shirts, and socks or men and women.
Books and magazines.
One-time projects
Clean out and organize the basement
Touch-up painting
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Collect needed items
Hygiene products for men and women.
Underwear, T-shirts, and socks or men and women.
Books and magazines.
Steel-toed boots or employment.
One-time projects
Landscaping and solar lights.
Pressure washing.
PROPOSED PR0JECT · MIDLANDS
Women Ready to Work
Help women returning to the community feel prepared and confident as they pursue employment.
Volunteers could organize a collection drive or assemble Ready to Work bags with personal care and employment-readiness essentials.
Suggested items to collect
New or gently used professional and business-casual clothing.
Work-appropriate shoes, handbags, and totes.
New undergarments and hosiery.
Feminine hygiene products.
Hair care products for a variety of hair types and textures.
Basic cosmetics and personal care items.
Accessories for interviews and the workplace.
Become a Reentry Ambassador
Serve on an Advisory Council or Community Relations Council. Advocate or AWS, build local connections, and share ideas that help strengthen our services.
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Ways to contribute
Tell others about AWS services.
Connect AWS with churches, civic clubs, businesses, and community groups.
Participate in quarterly meetings.
Share ideas and assist with fundraising when needed.
Find a council near you
Contact AWS to discuss current council openings and the program or location you would like to support.
Ready to take the next step?
We’re grateful for your interest in serving. Here’s how to begin.
01
Select a program, project, or donation drive. Coordinate visits, projects, and donated items with AWS staff before you begin.
Choose how to help
02
Complete the Volunteer Packet, including the application, confidentiality statement, and emergency contact form. Submit it to Human Resources.
Apply to volunteer
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Once accepted, review the Volunteer Handbook, complete orientation, and submit the Handbook & Orientation Letter of Receipt. Role-specific training follows.
Prepare to serve
Volunteer application submissions:
Email: hrdepartment@aws1962.org
Mail: 3519 Medical Dr. Columbia, SC 29203 ATTN: Human Resources
Fax: (803) 540-7223 ATTN: Human Resources
Volunteer resources: Volunteer Packet · Volunteer Handbook · Handbook & Orientation Letter of Receipt
The Alston Wilkes Society is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace that provides an efficient, productive, healthy, and safe environment free from the effects of alcohol and drug abuse. AWS does not discriminate in volunteer opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, genetic information, sex, national origin, age, disability, being a former offender or any other characteristic protected by law. AWS is an EEO/AA employer.