Around town: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026

To correct any information or to make a submission to Around Town, email pressrelease@theitem.com with Around Town in subject line.

The Evening Optimist Club is accepting applications for the annual Sumter Christmas Parade which will be held on Sunday, Dec. 6, at 2 p.m. The theme for the 2026 Christmas Parade is "Christmas Dreams." If your school, civic club, church or business would like an application, please contact SumterSCParades@aol.com. Deadline for entry is Friday, Nov. 13.

If you have any used bicycles you no longer want, donate them to be fixed up and given to children at Christmas by dropping them off at any Sumter fire station in the city and county all year 'round. Palmetto Optimist Club is accepting the bicycles, in partnership with the Sumter Evening Optimist Club.

SC Works Santee-Lynches, in coordination with Sumter Economic Development, S.C. Vocational Rehabilitation Department, SCDEW S.T.A.Y.S., Quilts of Valor and its business partners, will host the Veteran Job and Resource Fair on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at Sumter County Civic Center, 700 W. Liberty St. From 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., the doors will be open to veterans only. The doors will be open to the general public starting at 9:30 a.m., and the job fair will run until 1 p.m.

Pietas Coalition's monthly Safety Seminar will take place on Nov. 11 and Dec. 9. This is available to vulnerable individuals requiring assistance at the Sumter United Ministries homeless shelter. The presentation is held during dinner service, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. For information about location, check the group's calendar at www.pietascoalition.org/calendar.

The 17th Lincoln High School Preservation Alumni Association Annual Fundraising Gala will be held Friday, Nov. 27, at 6:30 p.m. at South Carolina National Guard Armory, 395 North Pike West. Donations are $100 per person or $800 per table of eight. RSVP by Oct. 23. Contact lincolnhighschool.org@gmail.com or (803) 920-7739 or (803) 381-2202.

Prisma Health Tuomey Hospice is always looking for volunteers to provide compassionate support for patients in their homes. There is a special kind of person who feels called to serve - not for recognition, but because compassion feels like part of who they are. Hospice volunteers provide companionship, comfort, and emotional support to individuals and families during one of life's most tender seasons. If you have a special gift such as musical talent, hair styling, or others, you may provide those gifts during your visits as well! No medical experience is required. Training, guidance, and ongoing support are provided. If you feel a quiet "yes" in your heart, contact the Prisma Health Tuomey Hospice office at (803) 773-4663 for more information.

Transplant recipients Lenora Schwabenbauer and Lucile Watts are excited to share with all of Sumter and surrounding areas that God has led us to begin a transplant support group. We welcome all pre- and post-transplant patients and their loved ones. Our mission is to love, listen and support. Please share this information with any that you know that might need this support. We meet at Trinity United Methodist Church at 10:30 a.m. every last Thursday in each month.

Sumter United Ministries is asking the public for donations to stock its food pantry. The food pantry shelves are emptying much faster, which is why the ministry is seeking the community's help. The pantry frequently runs out of the following items: Chef Boyardee, Pasta Roni and Knorr pasta bags, Knorr rice bags, beef stew, Manwich, mac and cheese, dry instant milk, instant potatoes, jelly, grits (canisters and boxes of individual packages), oatmeal (canisters and boxes of individual packages). Donations can be dropped off at Sumter United Ministries, 36 Artillery Drive, Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sumter County Genealogical Society meets monthly from September through May. Visitors are welcome to attend, and admission is free to the public. Interested persons can join the society for $30 for an individual membership and $35 for a family. Readers can call the society's Research Center for additional information at (803) 774-3901.

Join Sumter County Gallery of Art for Making Space each month. According to the Facebook page, Executive Director La Ruchala Murphy" is moving her desk to the studio to work on a hands-on art project and you're invited to pull up a chair and join in. No agendas, no presentations and no artistic experience required. Just two hours to work side by side and create something from scratch." The meetings are from 4 to 6 p.m. at 200 Hasel Street, Room 202. The events are free, but register at https://tinyurl.com/yy9tepbr to help prep materials. Remaining date and topic this year is Nov. 12: Matisse Inspired Collage With Translucent Paper.

The 2026-27 Sumter County 4-H year began Sept. 1, and the program continues to grow. Young people and families interested in joining Sumter County 4-H are invited to enroll at 4honline.com. Members explore hands-on projects, build leadership skills, serve their communities and make lasting friendships. Membership costs $15 annually. For information about local clubs and projects, contact the Sumter County Extension Office at cgfoley@clemson.edu, visit Clemson.edu/extension/4h/county/sumter.html, or follow @clemsonsumter4h.

Be a bell ringer this holiday season and help make a difference. Salvation Army is seeking enthusiastic individuals to support its mission. Ringing will take place Nov. 1 to Dec. 24, Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Shifts are flexible. Apply in person at Salvation Army of Sumter, 16 Kendrick St., (803) 775-9336.
During the '60s there was a select group of female students from the then all-black Lincoln High School in Sumter. They were chosen to participate in the American Red Cross Candy Stripers hospital volunteer program. They assisted in various tasks depending on the moment's need. Because they were the first black students to be given this opportunity they were called the "First Black Tuomey Teens." If you or anyone you know remembers any information concerning this group, please email bplove7349@gmail.com.

Are you a personal or professional caregiver? Are you feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, confused? You may even be feeling angry or frustrated. Does the thought of just taking five minutes out of your day seem impossible? Taking care of yourself is a must, especially when you are a caregiver. If this sounds like you, the Take Five – Caregiver Support Group would love to have you come and join us for an ongoing caregiver support group where we will strive to gain the tools needed to help us. If you're not taking care of yourself, you can't effectively take care of anyone else. The group meets from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Prayer Chapel at Alice Drive Baptist Church, 1305 Loring Mill Road, Sumter. Remaining 2026 dates are Sept. 16 and 30; Oct. 14 and 28; and Nov. 11 and 25. Facilitator is Debbie Sage, CEOLD, CGC, (803) 795-8076, Dsage183@gmail.com. The church office can be reached at (803) 905-5200.

The Shaw Homeschooler Support Group meets every second Monday of the month at the Youth Center Annex at Shaw Air Force Base, 5232 Sycamore St., from 10 to 11 a.m. This group is presented by the School Liaison Program. For more information, contact Sam Massey at (810) 310-8100.

Courts 2 College is offering College Unfiltered, the first in a series of free workshops aimed at preparing current high-schoolers for the next level. Courts 2 College helps local athletes pursue their dreams of playing college sports, make connections with college programs and dives into the complexities that come with applying for college, such as navigating financial aid. The next event is "Mental Health and You" on Sunday, Nov. 17. On Sunday, Dec. 20, the focus will be "Parent Education and Support," followed by "Financial Literacy" on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2027, and "When the Ball Drops, Life After Sports" on Saturday, Feb. 20. Locations and times for each of the future workshops are still to be determined. For more information, you can find Courts 2 College on Facebook and Instagram under the same name. To get involved, you can contact Felder at (803) 607-5990 or by email at courts2collegefoundation@gmail.com. They are always looking for partners with individual schools, districts, churches, community organizations and businesses, as well as volunteers for mentors, data management and more.

Those interested in supporting the Sumter Symphony Orchestra — be it corporate sponsors, donors, community partners or professional musicians interested in performing — can email sumtersymphonyorchestra@gmail.com or visit www.sumtersymphonyorchestra.com for more information.

The Alzheimer's and Dementia Caregiver Support Group meets the third Wednesday of each month at noon at National Health Care, 1018 N. Guignard Drive. It is led by Kristen Walton, director of social service for Caris Hospice. The group will help you develop a support system, exchange practical information on challenges and possible solutions, talk through issues and ways of coping, share feelings, needs and concerns and learn about community resources. Light refreshments will be served. Call (803) 773-5567 for more information. Covenant Place also hosts a monthly Alzheimer's Support Group at 2825 Carter Road on the first Monday of the month at 2 p.m. "This support group is offered with an open heart, a listening ear, and a safe space to share, learn, and breathe. You are welcome exactly as you are."

Life After Loss Grief Support Group meets every third Thursday of the month at 6:15 p.m. in The Shed at Christ Community Church Sumter, 320 Loring Mill Road, Sumter. "If you're entering a storm, walking through or after, this is a place for you to come and feel hope in your loss. Life After Loss is a grief support group, with the hopes that if you've had any kind of loss (parents, children, spouse, marriage, etc.), that you'll have a space to be with others just like you and those who can help." If you have questions, contact Amy Wilson at (803) 240-5443‬ or grief@cccsumter.com.

The 20th Force Support Squadron wants military members to "join Shaw Lanes for a night where you can roll strikes and belt out your favorite hits all in one unforgettable evening." Every Friday from 7 to 10 p.m., Shaw Lanes Bowling Center hosts Karaoke Over the Lanes. "Knock down pins and bring down the house." Unlimited bowling is $13, and karaoke is free. The center is at 416 Recreation St. Call (803) 895-2732 for more information.

Make a difference in your community. The City of Sumter invites everyone to pitch in to clean up their community through volunteer litter cleanup days in 2026. Spend a couple hours in the morning beautifying the area. Remaining days this year are Dec. 12. Anyone who would like to volunteer can sign up at the city's website, https://tinyurl.com/mryzpu5n. People can form cleanup teams to participate, but according to the site, you don't have to stick to just the scheduled days to help beautify your community. The city provides free supplies and trash bag pickup service.

If you're interested in coins, paper money, tokens and more, Sumter Coin Club might be a good fit for you. The local nonprofit organization was created for the enjoyment of numismatics. Collectors of coins, paper money, medals, tokens, U.S., world and ancient coins are welcome. The club meets the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Patriot Park Pavilion, Patriot Park, 380 General Drive, Sumter. For more information, contact Jeff Goodall at (704) 254-7705 or SumterCoinClub@gmail.com.

Sumter Ballroom Dance Club offers a monthly dance class schedule so you can make friends, improve your health and enjoy many dance opportunities, according to the group. The club offers classes in cha cha, waltz, tango and rumba, among others. Members meet at 7 p.m. Wednesdays at Sumter Parks and Recreation, 155 Haynsworth St., Sumter. If you have questions, call (803) 968-4760.

Calling all who are interested in being community volunteers. If you have a talent, skill or passion you'd love to share with the next generation, The Salvation Army and The Red Shield Youth Center in Sumter could use your help. The group is looking for caring community members to volunteer their time and talents with children. If you play piano, love painting or arts and crafts, can tutor or help with homework, have a skill you'd like to pass along or similar talent, you can make a difference. For more information or to get involved, call (803) 775-9336.

The Pietas Coalition will host an Anti-Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Seminar to equip community members with tools to recognize and respond to signs of trafficking every second Wednesday of each month from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at South Sumter Family Resource Center. To learn more, visit www.pietascoalition.org.
Need help with having enough to eat or want to help your community from going hungry? Those in need of food assistance in Sumter can contact Sumter United Ministries, which provides a range of services. The ministry is at 36 S. Artillery Drive and can be reached by phone at (803) 775-0757. Its office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Donors can give to the ministry through PayPal or by credit/debit card at its website, https://sumterunitedministries.org. Sumter's Salvation Army is asking for nonperishable food donations and is looking for canned goods, dry foods, cereal, rice, pasta, peanut butter and monetary donations. Drop off food at 16 Kendrick St. on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m. Several churches partnering with Harvest Hope may have food available for pickup, including sites in Sumter, Mayesville and Manning. To find them, visit www.harvesthope.org/get-help and type in your ZIP code to see where you can go. Harvest Hope also has a donation option at https://www.harvesthope.org for those who would like to give money. More food pantries that serve Sumter residents are listed at https://tinyurl.com/5b49xjx8.

The Salvation Army Red Shield Youth Center needs supplies to keep its programs strong — snacks, drinks, art and STEM materials and more! Shop our Amazon or Walmart registry at https://tinyurl.com/382mf899 or https://tinyurl.com/8h3tc9er. Prefer to give locally? Donations can be dropped off at the Youth Center (Salvation Army, 16 Kendrick St., Sumter). The kids especially enjoy Doritos, cookies and fruit punch. Every gift — big or small — helps the children learn, play and thrive. Questions? Call (803) 775-9336.

Sumter S.C. Combat Veterans Group supports veterans and their families through various initiatives. Members have a chance to contribute to causes that directly impact veterans' lives, join in on community events, network with fellow vets and supporters and help shape the future of veteran support in the Sumter area, according to the group's website. Members have the chance to give back, stay connected and make a difference in the lives of those who served our country. Anyone interested in joining can attend one of the regular group meetings on the third Friday of each month at 10 a.m. at 529 N. Wise Drive. The application at https://sumtercombatveterans.org/membership can be downloaded, printed and completed beforehand.

Area businesses that want to get more involved in making the city a beautiful place to live and work can take the Litter-Smart Business Pledge at https://tinyurl.com/4re5t5zf. About a dozen businesses have signed up so far to commit to keeping the land around their business litter-free. Businesses that sign up will receive a "Love where you live" sticker to display in their window and help spread the word about the pledge and also supplies to use for cleaning up.

Sumter Newcomers Club is a social group open to ALL Sumter residents (yes, the name is deceiving!) — this includes men and women of all ages, retired or still working. The club offers card and other games, book club and social events. Monthly coffee socials with a guest speaker are held the second Friday of each month from Sept to May at 10 a.m. at the South Hope Center at 1125 S. Lafayette Drive. Refreshments are provided. Please email sumternewcomers@yahoo.com for more information.

Moms of Sumter Addicts (MOSA) Prayer Group meets the second Thursday of each month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Birnie Hope Center, 210 S. Purdy St., Sumter. This is not a step program or a self-help group but is a group of mothers of addicts spending time in prayer and working to understand and encourage the building of a personal support network. MOSA does not judge, criticize, give advice or discuss other members' situations. For information on the group, contact MOSA.prayer@gmail.com.