Around Town: March 13, 2024

Palmetto Optimist Club's Children's Book Drive is running throughout March. The initiative aims to collect new and gently used children's books to promote literacy and a love for reading among the youth in Sumter.

New books can be purchased at Books-A-Million at Sumter Mall or at Olive Tree & Doolallies at 105 E. Wesmark Blvd. Additionally, donations of used children's books will be accepted at the following locations:

- Foiled Hair Salon, 1337 Peach Orchard Road;

- LS Investment Partners, 618 Bultman Drive, Suite B;

- Sumter Cut Rate, 32 S. Main St.;

- Olive Tree & Doolallies, 105 E. Wesmark Blvd.; and

- South HOPE Center, 1125 S. Lafayette Drive.

McLeod Health is hosting a free dinner and discussion at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 21, at Central Carolina Technical College, Sumter. The topics for discussion include cardiology, women's care, orthopedics and primary care. Register now for the dinner and discussion by calling (803) 435-5246.

The Sumter Branch NAACP's Annual Women in the NAACP (WIN) Program will be held Saturday, March 23, at 10 a.m. at Bethany Missionary Baptist Church, 350 E. Red Bay Road, Sumter. Pastor Linda Speed is the keynote speaker.

The 2024 Clarendon County Kickoff Heart Walk will be held from 4-6 p.m. March 28 at Pocotaligo River Health & Rehab Center, 3147 Sumter Highway, Manning.

"I Walk To Save Lives. So Can You." Is the motto of this year's walk.

Heart disease and stroke impact people in very personal, life-changing ways. This year, we want to connect with and share the reasons why we need to eliminate heart disease and stroke. Everyone is invited to participate. For more information, contact Christina Darby at (803) 410-1067 or at Christina.darby@heart.org

The City of Sumter will hold its next community cleanup on Saturday, April 20, with everyone welcome to pitch in to beautify the city they live in.

According to the city's Facebook page, "Volunteers are a vital part of our success. Make plans to join thousands of volunteers of all ages who will be taking part in the efforts to clean up and improve our local community this year. These events are held every two months and we are asking for the community's help and support."

The city will provide supplies for volunteers and pick up the bags after the events.

Fill out a volunteer form at https://tinyurl.com/fmxkavkp.

To correct any information or to make a submission to Around Town, email pressrelease@theitem.com with Public Agenda in subject line.