Jeffrey Lampkin to celebrate days leading up to birthday collecting coats, blankets for those in need

Giving back to his community and those in need gives immense pleasure to a young man who grew up in the country, attending a small rural church off S.C 261, east of Manning.

Growing up, Jeffrey Lampkin honed his God-given vocal talents in the church choir. Today, Lampkin continues to use his remarkable talent to bring awareness to those in need. His booming voice, melodious vocals and huge smile lure people to the young man who gladly shares his devout faith and testimony with anyone who has a moment to listen.

Lampkin, a radio and television personality, choir leader, businessman and entrepreneur, is constantly in motion, whether he's helping his church, his award-winning choir, one of his restaurants or just lending a friend a helping hand. Lampkin is the first person to step up and help.

"You can constantly ask what the government can do or you can say, 'What can I do?'" Lampkin asked. "I choose the latter. I choose to do my part."

From handing out free lunches and dinners to feed the needy during the COVID-19 pandemic to loading a truck with bottled water and then driving the truck to Texas to hand out water following a devastating hurricane last year, Lampkin is happiest when helping others.

Lampkin's birthday, Oct. 30, is just a few weeks away. The motto for this year's birthday festivities is "No gifts. Let's give." Instead of receiving gifts, Lampkin wants to give, and he's asking his friends and his community to help.

"So many are without and in need, and God has granted me the platform to reach the masses," Lampkin said. "So many are without, and I see so many homeless on the streets in Clarendon, Sumter and Lee counties."

With cooler temperatures already here, Lampkin and his band of helpers want to give the gift of warmth by providing coats and blankets to adults and children, even families.

"I choose to take what I have and mobilize and do my part," Lampkin added.

From now until Oct. 30, Jeffrey Lampkin is hosting Jeffrey Lampkin's Birthday Winter Drive to gather winter clothing and blankets. There are three locations in Sumter for folks to drop off their gifts: CBK Original, 5642 Broad St.; CBK Bistro, 118 S. Main St.; and So Cool, 1180-2 Old W. Liberty St. For folks in Manning wanting to participate in the Winter Drive, call Karen Hilton-Sanders at (803) 651-9208.

Lampkin said that because of COVID-19, new coats are preferable; however, all items received will be washed and sanitized. For more information, contact Lillie Bernard at The Jeffrey and Harriet Lampkin Foundation at (803) 883-4719.

"God has blessed my wife, Harriet, and I, and I will spend my life being a blessing to the masses," Lampkin shared.