🌱 3 Children Vandalize Columbia Church + Harvest Hope Volunteers

Hello again, Columbia! Important update: You all, as readers, have made the Columbia Daily so successful that it is my honor to announce the next stage of the newsletter. Patch is looking for a local writer and entrepreneur to take the helm of the Columbia Daily. Although I have loved getting to know this community, we want to pass the torch to someone truly local to write about Columbia long term. So if you're interested in earning extra income while making this newsletter a more valuable resource for your neighbors, learn more and apply here.

---

First, today's weather:

Periods of sun. High: 81 Low: 63.

---

Here are the top three stories today in Columbia:

1. According to Columbia police, three children — aged 8, 9, and 10 — are responsible for recent acts of vandalism at Bell Memorial Baptist Church. The children will reportedly not be arrested for the December and January incidents, but have been recommended to participate in a cleanup event at the church. (WLTX.com)
2. Harvest Hope Food Bank is seeking volunteers to help pack 10,000 food boxes for those in need across South Carolina. Anyone interested can visit the food bank's volunteer page and view available shifts on the calendar. (ColaDaily.com)
3. On Tuesday, two men were injured in an overnight shooting at an area apartment complex. According to Columbia police, the shooting took place at the Willow Run apartment complex. The victims are reportedly being treated for non-life-threatening injuries. (The State)

---

From our sponsor:

Hey Columbia, are you looking to buy a house, refinance or just explore your options? Check out the new Patch Mortgage Center for all your home financing needs!

---

Today in Columbia:

• Grant Writing: Creating A Winning Grant Proposal - South Carolina State Library, Virtual Event (10:30 AM)

---

From my notebook:

• Yesterday, DHEC announced 999 new cases of COVID-19, 14 new deaths, and a percent positive of 12.8%. (Facebook)
• A toasty weather pattern is coming to Columbia this week! Temperatures tomorrow will be more like those in tropical Key West, and 20 degrees warmer than the average for this time of year. (Facebook)
• For the closing weekend of "TICK, TICK... BOOM!," Trustus Theatre is celebrating with Buy One, Get One 50% off tickets. Visit trustus.org, click Buy Tickets, and enter BOGO to access the discount. (Facebook)

---

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Learn How To Reduce Your Risk For Heart Disease During American Heart Month (February 28)
• Add your event

---

Loving the Columbia Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

• Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe
• Get your local business listed in front of readers

---

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. I'll see you soon!

— Dan Casarella

About me: Dan Casarella is a writer, podcast producer, and small business development specialist who formerly worked in late-night television. He's produced many talk segments, including with President Joe Biden, Kobe Bryant, and Chadwick Boseman. Dan studied Media Studies and Production at Temple University. He also enjoys running, painting, and the highs and lows of Philadelphia's sports teams.