Support Sumter military members with annual Shower Shaw with Goodies on Thursday

It is the season of giving, and what better way to spread holiday cheer with local airmen and soldiers than by donating to this year's Shower Shaw with Goodies?

Shower Shaw with Goodies is an annual, festive way to give back to Sumter's neighbors and friends at Shaw Air Force Base by showering them with various goods, sweets and treats. The event has been a 31-year tradition in the community.

Formerly known as Shower Shaw with Cookies, where local organizations, churches and businesses baked hundreds of fresh cookies, the name and items changed to pre-packaged goods during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cleo Klopfleisch, chair of the Shaw Spouses' Club, said the idea of showering Shaw with goodies has stuck since then.

Sumter Volunteers and Shaw Spouses' Club will sponsor this year's event with the donation drop-off set for Thursday, Dec. 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Meeting House in Memorial Park, 118 N. Salem Ave.

Klopfleisch said if participants cannot drop off until after 3 p.m., items can be dropped off at 207 Mason Croft Drive; items must be dropped off no later than Thursday.

This year's effort aims to provide gifts to 550 U.S. Air Force and Army members based in Sumter at Shaw. The two organizations are asking everyone to participate and donate the following items on Thursday: plain candy kisses/chocolate mini bars, candy canes, microwave popcorn, mini bags of cookies and individual packets of hot chocolate.

Monetary donations are accepted to provide gift cards in the goodie bags - redeemable at local downtown Sumter bakeries and eateries.

For more information or to sign up to volunteer, contact Cleo Klopfleisch at (803) 406-2177.

Monetary donations can be dropped off on Thursday or mailed today to Shaw Spouses' Club RE: Shower Shaw with Goodies, P.O. Box 52337, Shaw AFB, SC 29152.