The Columbia-Richland Fire Department is getting ready for another busy season of helping area families acquire food for the holidays.
The department has begun taking donations for its sixth annual ‘Firefighters Feeding Families Holiday Food Drive.’ From now through Friday December 19, 2025 area citizens can drop off canned goods and non-perishable food items at our many stations across the City of Columbia and Richland County. December 19 will be our final community collection day before food taken in will be distributed.
“I can tell you that by the time this campaign is over all of the donated food we collect will find homes that need it,” said Columbia-Richland Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins, ”The incredible need we see from our communities continues to grow and grow each year we do this food drive. During the holidays last year we were able to feed 500 area households for the second year in a row. That’s why we are once asking our area citizens and businesses to be as generous as possible and give what they can.”
Images from the 2024 ‘Firefighters Feeding Families’ Holiday Food Drive
All donations for this year’s drive can be dropped off at the fire museum at CRFD Headquarters, which is located at 1800 Laurel Street in Columbia OR any Columbia-Richland fire station across Richland County between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
A full list of our stations and their locations can be found on our website at www.colafire.net under the ‘Stations’ tab. Donors are encouraged to leave their items with a member of our staff to ensure they have been taken in.
Examples of non-perishable items that can be dropped off for the drive include:
- Canned meats and tuna
- Canned potatoes, vegetables and fruits
- Pasta and rice products
- Canned pasta
- Canned soups and stews
- Cereals
- Canned and dry beans
- Pasta sauces
- Nuts and dried fruits
ALL FOOD DONATED MUST NOT BE PAST EXPIRATION. CITZENS ARE ENCORUAGED TO CHECK THE EXPIRATION DATES ON ITEMS BEFORE DROPPING THEM OFF.
All collected items will go directly to support area families in needs. Citizens needing food assistance can call the department Monday through Friday during regular business hours (8 a.m. until 5 p.m.) at 803-545-3700. Messages can be left at that number.
