Sumter chapter of sorority donates to 3 charitable organizations in tri-county

The Sumter Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. hosted the 2025 S.C. State Founders Day Celebration of Delta Sigma Theta. As part of Delta's public service initiative and giving back to the community, the Sumter chapter was able to donate to local charitable organizations in all three areas the Sumter chapter serves with donations received from the Founders Day Celebration. On Wednesday, April 23, members of the Sumter chapter donned red and white as a sign of unity and purpose while presenting the donations to the three charitable organizations making a difference across Clarendon, Lee and Sumter counties.

The recipients included Briggs-Delaine-Pearson Foundation in Clarendon County, the Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Birthplace and Memorial Park Foundation in Lee County and Backpack Blessings, a ministry in Sumter County. Each organization serves its community through education, cultural preservation and/or direct support to individuals in need. Supporting these organizations is part of Delta's mission to uplift and invest in the communities we serve. We were proud to stand together and recognize the incredible work being done in each county.

The Briggs-Delaine-Pearson Foundation works to preserve the legacy of the Briggs v. Elliott case and promotes education and social justice in Clarendon County. The BDP Foundation was originally founded in 1993 when a group of individuals decided to form an organization to memorialize the participants of the Briggs v. Elliott case. Most notably, the BDP Foundation published a Social Studies Curriculum Guide and Teacher Resource booklet regarding the Briggs v. Elliott case. These published materials are consistent with South Carolina Department of Education's Social Studies Standards. The materials are for unlimited use in public schools throughout South Carolina. The foundation provides after-school care and activities and programs to broaden children's horizons with a partnership in Clarendon County School District and Clemson. In attendance to receive the award was Marguirite Delaine.

The Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Foundation focuses on restoring the historic birthplace of McLeod Bethune in Lee County and preserving her legacy as an educator and civil rights leader with a park named in her honor. This 9-acre park is maintained by the National Council of Negro Women Inc. as a memorial and the birthplace of Mary McLeod Bethune, civil rights advocate and educator. NCNW Inc. - Lee County Section bought the actual birthplace of Bethune, and the replica of her childhood home stands on that property. NCNW acts as a cohesive umbrella for the other African-American groups that already existed. Receiving the award were Merdis M. Bryant and Minnye Collins.

Backpack Blessings, a mission of First Presbyterian Church in Sumter County, provides meals to more than 250 students in Sumter School District and Liberty STEAM Charter School weekly for weekends and school breaks. The program is available for any student identified by the school or requested by the parent. The kids exchange their school backpack for a food-filled backpack on Friday afternoons. Receiving the award was Johnny Hilton.

The donations allow for the continued support these three organizations provide daily to our communities. By supporting these grassroots efforts, Sumter Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. continues to champion positive change across our service areas.