Helping Out highlights some of the many charitable events and activities going on in the Charleston area. Submissions should be sent to dailyjournal@scbiznews.com.

Palmetto Goodwill is expanding its services in North Charleston with a new training center opening Friday at 2150 Eagle Drive. The grand opening will kick off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Mayor Keith Summey and Micky Gazaway, executive director of the South Region for the nonprofit NISH.

The center will focus on training Goodwill employees in four competencies: retail, custodial, grocery shelf-stocking and food service. Employees will have the opportunity to become certified by the ServSafe Food Manager and Custodial Management Institute. The center will also offer food handler, customer service and leadership training.

The center features five computer stations that employees will use to take certification tests, learn computer software and apply for jobs after graduating from Goodwill’s program. It also contains mock stations that will allow for hands-on training in specific areas such as shelf-stocking, mopping floors and cleaning carpets. Goodwill plans to expand training opportunities as needs develop.

The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program is offering free tax help for taxpayers who qualify. Family Services Inc. will host two volunteers to help with the community’s tax assistance needs this spring. The program generally offers help to people who make $51,000 or less and need assistance in preparing their tax returns. All volunteers are IRS-certified and provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals in the tri-county area. To make an appointment, call 843-735-7802.

Dressbarn is teaming up with the nonprofit Dress for Success to gather 60,000 articles of clothing as part of its SOS — Send One Suit — Weekend donation drive March 7-10.

This year’s clothing drive marks the 11th consecutive year dressbarn and Dress for Success have partnered to help women in need receive professional business attire. All 830 dressbarn stores across the country will serve as drop-off sites for new or gently used professional attire including suits, dress shirts, blazers, pants, dresses and shoes.

More than 55,000 professional items of clothing were collected during last year’s donation drive. Dress for Success will distribute the donated items nationwide to women looking to gain a job or trying to re-enter the workforce.

Dressbarn stores will offer donors an additional 15% total purchase savings for their donation. Locally, dressbarn is at 4840 Tanger Outlet Blvd. in North Charleston.

Charleston Miracle League founder Channing Proctor accepts a donation check from The Kickin’ Chicken. (Photo/Provided)

Earlier this month, The Kickin’ Chicken hosted its companywide employee appreciation party at sister location Rita’s Seaside Grill on Folly Beach. Employees and guests brought canned goods to be donated to James Island Outreach.

Owners David Miller, Bobby Perry and Chip Roberts presented checks totaling $20,300 to representatives from Camp Happy Days, Charleston Miracle League and Summerville Miracle League. The proceeds were raised during The Kickin’ Chicken’s fourth annual Month of Giving campaign in November 2012.

Kickin’ Chicken and Rita’s employees were also honored for their service both in and out of the restaurants. John Lewis of The Kickin’ Chicken West Ashley was awarded companywide employee of the year for his service to his team members. Heather Rohrig of The Kickin’ Chicken Summerville was awarded most mission-oriented employee for her continued volunteer work throughout the community.

Over the years, The Kickin’ Chicken has donated more than $123,000 to charitable organizations across the Lowcountry.

The Palmetto Palace will give families in need A Hospital Hospitality Day by delivering 350 “waiting room survival kits” to families in 13 local hospital waiting rooms Thursday at the Courtyard by Marriott Charleston Waterfront, 35 Lockwood Drive, near the downtown medical complex.

The Palmetto Palace provides affordable lodging and transportation for adults while their loved ones are in the hospital.

Sponsors for this event include the students from the Windsor Hill Arts Infused Elementary School, Select Health of South Carolina, Pepsi-Co, Ebenezer AME Church Missionary Society, Dr. Larry Ferguson Dentistry, Greater St. Luke AME, Mulliken Law Firm, Mount Moriah Baptist Church, Morris Street Baptist Church, Charleston Marriott, Charleston Cotton Exchange, Family Legal Services LLC, The Art Institute of Charleston and the Courtyard by Marriott on Lockwood Drive.

The spring Mom to Mom Consignment Sale is March 2 with admission fees benefiting Rein and Shine. (Photo/Provided)

The MOMS Club of Mount Pleasant is hosting its annual Mom to Mom Consignment Sale March 2 at the National Guard Armory, 245 Mathis Ferry Road in Mount Pleasant. The sale features toys, books, clothing, baby equipment, bedding and furniture. Doors open from 7 to 11 a.m. and then reopen from noon to 1:30 p.m. for a 50% off sale. The admission fee is $1, which is donated to charity. This spring sale will benefit Rein and Shine, providing an alternative method of healing to children and adults with physical, emotional, social and/or cognitive disabilities.