There is no question that our community, the Midlands of South Carolina, has its challenges. But if you take a closer look – beyond poverty, hunger, homelessness and more – you will find something quite beautiful: the true heart of our community and the people that make giving back and helping others a priority for themselves, their family or their business.

We invite you to join Central Carolina Community Foundation and Columbia Metropolitan magazine as we celebrate those whose contributions make our community a better place to call home. More

2012 Prudential Spirit of Community Honoree Helen Clay builds bears for children at Palmetto Health Children's Hospital

We are amazed by the impact kids can make and excited to tell you about two noteworthy awards that honor and support the efforts of teens and tweens dedicating to bettering this world. Do you know a young person who is making a real difference in the lives of others, their community or the world? We hope you’ll encourage them to apply for these exciting opportunities. More

Ian's Spend, Save, Give jars

When Columbia mother Catharine Aitken’s oldest son Ian turned five, she decided it was time to start giving him an allowance and with that she wanted to also incorporate lessons about giving.

“I’d had conversations about donating time and talents with him, but we’d never talked about donating our treasure,” remarked Catharine. “I realized how few people talk with their children about planning to give which inspired me to have that conversation with him.” More

The author's boys getting ready for soccer, complete with Batman tattoo.

I beat myself up about my mothering capabilities pretty often. I don’t send pictures to grandparents. I am a complete failure at baby books — wait, maybe that’s only a 70 percent failure. I make decisions I regret. I still let them watch too much TV. I raise my voice more often than I would like.

I just came from a meeting focused on creating a website for a nonprofit that shelters homeless families. As part of the program these families get a life plan as well. It’s no wonder their success rate is so high.

It’s so easy to forget how much my husband and I give our children every day. Not gifts and possessions, but stability, love, responsibility, a home. Luxuries that are beyond the reach of many families in our community. That’s a sobering thought. More

Columbia Children’s Theatre S.T.A.R.S.

Started in early 2012, the Columbia Children’s Theatre S.T.A.R.S. – Student Thespians Achieving Results – is a collaboration among Columbia Children’s Theatre, young actors and their families, with a purpose of allowing student actors to use their talents to raise awareness and money for local charities. The motto: ‘Be a S.T.A.R. for charity.’

In addition to spending time learning about the nonprofit organizations serving our community and the issues we face, participants are active in every aspect of play production – from set design to casting to direction to marketing. Proceeds from each production go to a nonprofit researched and selected by S.T.A.R. program participants. More