The Woodyard Fund
The Woodyard Fund traces its roots to 1816 in Columbia, when the Ladies Benevolent Society provided firewood to needy families.
In 1930 the cause was embraced by William E. Gonzales, then editor of The State newspaper. Each winter since then, the paper has continued publicizing the charity. Donations ranging from $2 to over $1,000 help the neediest in the community stay warm in the winter.
The Salvation Army screens applicants, who are selected based on income level, illness or special circumstances such as a house fire. Residents in Richland, Lexington, Newberry and Fairfield counties are eligible. In general, folks will have received a “past due, to be cut off” notice to qualify.