Sumter United Ministries' 'Gear Up for Learning' project seeks school supplies

Sumter United Ministries is looking for school supplies as it kicks off its annual supply drive, "Gear Up for Learning," ahead of the 2024-25 school year. According to Kathy Hunt, SUM office manager, the ministry has hosted the project every year for more than 10 years and helps between 2,000 to 3,000 kids in need each year.

"We want to help [kids] succeed, and so having the right school supplies to help them in school will help them succeed in their education, and that's our goal," said Hunt.

SUM is looking for donations of the following school supplies:

- Crayons

- Glue sticks

- Highlighters

- Ink pens (blue and black)

- Loose-leaf notebook paper (college and wide ruled)

- 3-ring binders

- Pencils - a lot are needed

- Large plastic pencil boxes

- Primary writing tablets ruled for kindergarten

- Pocket folders (with and without clasps)

- Rulers

- Round-tip scissors

- Spiral notebooks - college ruled

- Composition notebooks

- Colored pencils

- Backpacks

- Copier paper

- Tissues

- Hand sanitizer

Individuals may drop off supplies to several locations; because school starts on Aug.1 this year, there are important collection date changes:

- Assured Partners, at 1170 Wilson Hall Road, on Monday-Friday, June 18-July 19, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

- Sumter United Ministries, at 36 S. Artillery Drive, on Monday-Friday, June 18-July 24, except on Thursday, July 4, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

- First Baptist Church Gym, at 107 E. Liberty St., on Monday- Thursday, July 22-25 from 9 a.m. to noon

Anyone looking to sponsor an item(s) or who has any questions can call the ministry at (803) 775-0757.