Back-to-school giveaway to be held in Bishopville

The American Red Cross is issuing an urgent call for blood donors of all blood types, especially type O. Schedule your donation appointment by using the free Blood Donor App, by visiting www.redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Help save a life by participating in one of the following American Red Cross blood donation opportunities: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 10, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 230 Alice Drive; 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 13, YMCA of Sumter, 510 Miller Road; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 15, Shaw Air Force Base BX Exchange Building, 370 Rhodes Ave., Building 1403, Shaw AFB; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 16, Palmetto Health Tuomey, 129 N. Washington St.; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18, Lakewood Baptist Church, 3140 Nazarene Church Road; noon-5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 22, Shaw Army Central, 1 Gabreski Drive, Shaw AFB; 2-7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 23, Pocalla Church, 1214 S. Guignard Drive; and 2-7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 30, Grace Baptist Church, 219 W. Calhoun St.

The Lee County Branch of the NAACP will hold its annual back-to-school giveaway at 6 p.m. today at the Dennis Community Development Center, 410 Cedar Lane, Bishopville. Event will feature free food, drinks and school supplies. Contact Willie Blyther at (803) 484-6594, Walter Boone at (803) 428-3387, Windi King at (803) 484-5068 or Patricia Carter at (803) 428-6191.

The Sumter Police Department's Annual Back-to-School Bash will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, Aug. 14, at Crosswell Park, North Lafayette Drive. Event will feature DJ Howie, food, balloon artists, face painting, a water park and more. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult 18 years of age or older.

The Sumter Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind will meet at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 14, at Shiloh-Randolph Manor, 125 W. Bartlette St. It is also time to reserve gala tables for Dec. 11. Contact Debra Canty, chapter president, at (803) 775-5792 or debra.canty@frontier.com.

The Wesmark Branch of the Sumter County Library will present the movie adaption of the August Wilson play "Fences," starring Denzel Washington and Viola Davis, at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 15, in the meeting room, 180 W. Wesmark Blvd.

The Lincoln High School Preservation Alumni Association (LHSPAA) will meet at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 19, at 26 Council St. Call the alumni office 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Mondays or Wednesdays at (803) 775-0444.

The DAV Mobile Service Office will provide free counseling and claim filing assistance to veterans from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 23, at Golden Corral, Walmart Boulevard. Call John Baxley at (803) 647-2422.

McLeod Hospice will offer a "Hospice Volunteering 101" class from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 30, in the Volunteer Services Office of McLeod Health Clarendon, 10 Hospital St., Manning. This volunteer training program is for those interested in helping Hospice patients and / or assisting Hospice support staff in Clarendon and Sumter counties. Attendees must register in advance to participate in the training. Call Stacy Mosier at (803) 435-5287.

The Lincoln High School Preservation Alumni Association (LHSPAA) will hold an all white casual attire dance from 8 p.m. to midnight on Friday, Aug. 31, at 26 Council St. D.J. Al will provide music. Tickets are $15 each. Call the alumni office 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Mondays or Wednesdays at (803) 775-0444.

The Sumter Combat Veterans Group will hold its annual golf tournament on Saturday, Sept. 15, at Crystal Lakes Golf Course, 1305 Clara Louise Kellogg Drive. There will be a 9 a.m. shotgun start. Registration fee is $50 per golfer limited to the first 40 teams. Fee includes continental breakfast, lunch, souvenirs, cart, green fees and refreshments during play. Team format will be two person Captain's Choice. There will be first and second place prizes for men's and women's teams, closest to the pin and longest drive. Raffle tickets for a La-Z-Boy recliner will be $2 each or three for $5. Call Rich Grimsley at (803) 469-6227, Earnest Roland at (803) 840-0935 or Johnny Goodley at (803) 236-0488 or email at vnam6970@yahoo.com.

The 12th Annual Art in the Park will be held 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 22, at Memorial Park. Art and craft, community corner and children's craft center vendor applications can be downloaded at HSNAsumtersc.com.