Sumter United Ministries moves forward with Thanksgiving food drive amid virus with drive-through event

Sumter United Ministries isn't going to let the coronavirus pandemic stop it from having its annual "Giving Thanks" dinner box program. It will continue the holiday tradition with a drive-through food drive.

Even with the pandemic upending the holiday season, SUM is still finding a way to help families in need this year. SUM has identified families in need during the year and will distribute food supplies to them with everything they need for a Thanksgiving feast. In the past, families were given a chance to pick out the food they needed inside the ministry building, but because of the pandemic, that isn't the case in 2020.

"We won't be doing that this year," said Executive Director Mark Champagne. "We're going to make the boxes ahead of time, and then we'll add a turkey and put it in a car."

Champagne said people will drive up and receive the box made by the ministry's volunteers. Inside each box includes traditional foods such as rice, stuffing, cans of cranberry sauce, potatoes and a turkey.

He hopes that by doing it this way they can not only follow COVID-19 safety guidelines, but also continue serving the community.

"You can still talk to people through their car or from a distance and say 'hi' and 'Happy Thanksgiving.' Any time you're putting together a box full of Thanksgiving dinner, it's always fun. People love receiving them, and it's fun to give away."

Volunteers for the turkey drive were also limited compared to previous years. Carolyn Bryan, in-kind director at SUM, said they had more than 15 volunteers daily pre-COVID-19 helping in this drive. Now, they have three to four daily volunteers. Even with the decreased numbers, she said food donations surprisingly increased this year. With donations coming in from different churches, organizations and families, Champagne said they have seen plenty of items ready for next week.

As of Thursday, they have nearly 150 turkeys, and it will keep increasing before Tuesday. Bryan is grateful for the extra donations this year and hopes they can do more for the community after the pandemic ends. All extra turkeys and nonperishable items will be stored at the pantry in food boxes for families around Christmas.

"Hopefully, once [COVID-19] ends, we can get started actually giving more to the community," Bryan said.

Champagne is optimistic that the drive will be a success despite the new changes and said families need some joy for this year.

"I think people need a little people contact without having to get too close yet over something that's a good season. Thanksgiving's still family time, and I think it will continue that way. People will find ways to stay in contact with family and friends somehow," he said. "Thanksgiving's a cool holiday even though it may be a little different this year."

There is still time for food donations anytime between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today or Monday. The ministry is at 36 Artillery Drive. Call (803) 775-0757 or email info@sumterunitedministries.org.