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🌱 Patch AM: How a Columbia prayer group quietly boosted local charities this Christmas

Also, don't miss The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Columbia, SC on the Columbia Patch calendar

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Cheers Columbia! We’re back, helping you stay up to date with what’s happening. Let's take on the day together! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How a Columbia prayer group quietly boosted local charities this Christmas
  • How Lady Street deck repairs could reshape your downtown parking routine
  • How the extended I-126 ramp closure could change your daily drive

Also on today's calendar: The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Columbia, SC.

Find out what's happening in Columbiafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: Last night I had a dream. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Columbiafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Saturday: Plenty of sunshine, with a high of 60 and low of 36 degrees.
  • Sunday: Partly sunny and pleasant, temps: high: 65, low: 36.
  • Monday: Mostly sunny and cooler, with a high of 54 and low of 35 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. St. Luke's Lutheran Men's Prayer Group makes annual Christmas donations (thecolumbiastar.com) — A men’s prayer group at St. Luke Lutheran Church on Olympia Avenue in Columbia has donated more than $1,400 to local causes, including cancer care, Lutheran retreat centers, and Richland County Sheriff’s Project Hope for seniors. The funds come from weekly “love offerings,” continuing the church’s long tradition of serving the Olympia community and greater Columbia.
   

2. Columbia to start Lady Street parking deck repairs in January (wltx.com) — Downtown Columbia drivers should prepare for the Lady Street Parking Deck to close for about three months starting January 2026 while the city makes major structural repairs. Funded by recent parking rate increases, the work kicks off a multi-year capital plan to upgrade city-owned decks with safety fixes, better lighting, cameras, and fresh paint. Future phases will also target Taylor Street, Arsenal Hill, and Sumter Street decks.
   

3. SCDOT extends closure of I-126 West off-ramp to Colonial Life Blvd. (wach.com) — If you rely on the I-126 West off-ramp to Colonial Life Boulevard in Columbia, plan extra time—SCDOT has extended its closure until at least 10 p.m. on January 10, 2026. Crews are working on the Carolina Crossroads Project, and drivers must follow detours via Greystone, Broad River, and Bush River roads while watching for work zones and signs.
   

4. Richland One Induction Teacher of the Year named finalist for SCATLL Award (thecolumbiastar.com) — Richland One’s 2025-26 Induction Teacher of the Year, kindergarten teacher Katie Purushotham, is now a finalist for a statewide SCATLL honor. The winner will be announced January 26 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, bringing welcome recognition to local educators and the district’s induction program.
   

5. Midlands Pup Shots! December 19 (abccolumbia.com) — Dog lovers in Columbia can meet a whole lineup of adoptable pups, from lab mixes and huskies to mastiffs and pitties, many rescued from local shelters or found as strays. Each listing includes age, size, temperament, and vetting details so you can quickly see which furry friend might fit your home.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Finally in the holiday spirit.
    Holiday cookies made, a Christmas luncheon with friends, more than half of my presents wrapped and under the tree, and the box of gifts and food for… (Nextdoor WildeWood)
  • There are 5-6 young homeless, orange kittens in need of fostering homes .
    Currently in Lexington trailer park . Pawmetto life line suggested i post online for help with fostering . Please help these poor babies, can contact… (Nextdoor Spring Haven)
  • DEW offices and SC Works centers will be closed from Wednesday, December 24th to Friday, December 26th, in observance of the holiday season. All... (X: SCDEWinfo)
  • Recently, #RichlandCountySC Councilman Don Weaver + members of Administration toured the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center in Columbia to see the... (X: RichlandSC)
  • University of South Carolina posted a job opening for Instructor or Assistant/Associate Professor of Business Analytics in Columbia. Apply here.
  • Target posted a job opening for Overnight Inbound (Stocking) (T1923) in Columbia. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Columbia here.

Ok Columbia! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I dreamed I was swimming in a pool of orange soda, but it was just a Fanta-sea.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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