The FriendShip Newsletter - December 2025
Office Information
Contact Info: 803-602-6434 or contact@thefriendship.org
Regular Hours: Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Volunteer Spotlight: Jim Robinson
Jim is pictured above with a FriendShip member after he ran an errand for her.
Jim Robinson spent his childhood moving between Maryland and New Jersey before eventually making his way to Texas, where he finished high school, attended college, and later completed graduate school in Austin. In 1988, Jim and his wife moved to Columbia, thinking it would be a short stop on their journey, but the city soon felt like home. Thirty-six years later, he’s still here, grateful that his wife’s desire to be closer to family led them to a community where they built their lives.
Jim dedicated a good amount of his career to Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, serving as a teacher, administrator, college counselor, coach, and even bus driver. He loved being part of a school where he could support students in so many ways. Now retired for about five years, Jim enjoys spending time with his wife and traveling to see their two children and four grandchildren.
He first learned about The FriendShip a year and a half ago through a Shandon neighborhood newsletter seeking volunteers. The mission of the organization spoke to him immediately. Driving for The FriendShip felt natural, his first job as a teenager had been delivering flowers, something he cherished because it made people smile. “It feels like things have come full circle,” he says.
As a volunteer, Jim mostly provides rides and treasures the conversations and connections along the way. “For me, it’s a wonderful addition to my routine,” he shares. Volunteering has given him a deeper sense of gratitude and shown him what it looks like to age with grace, humor, and positivity. To him, The FriendShip is not just a service, it’s a meaningful way to lift others up while enriching his own life.
Thank you, Jim, for all of your hard work and dedication, The FriendShip is better because of you!
(Thank you to Beatrice Maulfair for writing this blurb.)
November Recap: So Much to Be Grateful For!
The FriendShip enjoyed a great November, full of reasons to be thankful! We started off the month with a Volunteer Meet & Greet organized by our Volunteer Committee. Over twenty-five volunteers came out to get to know one another better and hear a presentation about the new process we're using for sending out and assigning transportation services
In addition to that successful gathering, members and volunteers spent quality time together at a variety of programs later in the month--from socializing over lunch at Luna Kitchen in Five Points to sharing the fun of creating something new at our holiday craft program. Special thanks to volunteer Janel Hagar for leading us in making such beautiful Christmas ornaments; it was so fun!
Another highlight from this month was our "Learn About Sesqui" program. Thank you to member Betty Mandell for contributing this summary about the program for us to share:
Ranger John Wells came to The FriendShip on November 11 to tell us about Sesquicentennial State Park. The park was named for the 150-year founding of Columbia. The park provides recreation and fun for all ages. Facilities to picnic, fish, kayak, hike, and camp are there at the park. Large groups and small ones are easily accommodated. State parks are run as a business, so there are small fees.
John and the three other rangers are there to help. They are also responsible for Goodale State Park, a beautiful and underused state park near Camden with kayaks and canoes to rent for a beautiful water trail.
John was such an engaging presenter, and the parks have so much to offer--from 12 miles of hiking trails to innovative programs like the Palmetto Campout and the Artisan's Market. We can't wait to visit!
Upcoming Events-at-a-Glance
- Thursday, December 4 at 11:30 a.m. - Lunch at Casa Linda
- Friday, December 12 at 2:00 p.m. - Holiday Social Hour
- Thursday, January 8 at 11:30 a.m. - Lunch at Eggs Up Grill on Devine
- More dates TBA
Please mark your calendar for these activities. You'll find descriptions of the December activities in this newsletter, and more programs will be announced soon. You can find an events calendar on our website as well.
Dutch Treat Lunch at Casa Linda (December 4)
Please join us for lunch on Thursday, December 4 at Casa Linda. We'll meet at 11:30 a.m. to enjoy good Mexican food and good company. Casa Linda is located at 2009 North Beltline Boulevard, 29204. If you haven't already done so, please RSVP by calling 803-602-6434 or emailing contact@thefriendship.org. We are happy to provide rides for Full Members.
Holiday Social Hour (December 12)
Join us on Friday, December 12 for a Holiday Social Hour, which will be held at the home of Sam Waldrep, FriendShip member, volunteer, and Board President. His gorgeous Christmas decorations are sure to get you in the holiday spirit!
We look forward to having time together to admire Sam's seasonal decor and to chat about our favorite holiday traditions. Light refreshments will be provided. Please call 803-602-6434 or email contact@thefriendship.org to RSVP by noon on Wednesday, December 10. As always, we are happy to arrange rides for Full Members, as needed.
*Accessibility note: Sam's house has three steps out front where there is not a handrail. There is a handrail available at the back entrance, where there are about five steps.
Christmas Deliveries/Visits
Now that the holiday season is in full swing, FriendShip volunteers are putting together Christmas packages for members who would like one. These will be a small token of appreciation to show how grateful we are for our wonderful members!
Note to members: Our volunteers would love the opportunity to stop by for a visit or just drop off the holiday treat during the week/weekend before Christmas (or, the weekend after could work instead, if preferred). This will be a fun way to spread holiday cheer across the network. So, please let the office know if you would like to participate.
Note to volunteers: If you would like to help out with visits/deliveries, please contact the office for more information.
Office Hours During the Holidays/Reminder about Service Requests
The FriendShip office will be closed on December 25 and December 26 for Christmas and on January 1.
Members, please send any service requests through December 29 to the office by noon on Monday, December 22 (the Monday before Christmas Day) so we can coordinate with volunteers before the holiday.
Thank You to Our Donors
The generosity of our donors is critical to our ability to fulfill our mission. We are grateful for November donations from:
- Irene & Robert Booth
- Jill Grote in honor of Jane Blair
- Patricia Rock in honor of Barbara Mullen
- Julie Ruff
- Linda & Alvin Strasburger
Looking for the perfect holiday gift for a friend or family member?! Remember that donations can be made to The FriendShip in honor of a loved one! Those thoughtful contributions make wonderful gifts!
If you would like to make a donation, you can mail a check to our office or donate on our website. Thank you for your support!
