New drop-off locations announced for United Ministries' 'Gear Up for Learning'
Students will soon get back to the books as the 2026-27 school year starts Aug. 4.
To help lighten the load, Sumter United Ministries' annual "Gear Up for Learning" Project is underway and has new drop-off locations.
The annual community outreach program supports all Sumter County public and charter schools. The nonprofit reached out to school guidance counselors and principals for a wish list of items for students. Though there is an extensive use of computers and other technology in schools today, students still need traditional supplies as well. SUM has compiled the following list based on schools' responses:
- Clear bookbags
- Pencil (traditional, sharpened)
- Pens (black or blue ballpoint)
- 3-ring binders (1", 2" and 3" sizes)
- Black-and-white composition notebooks
- Highlighters
- Dividers for 3-ring binders
- Color pencils
- Regular or college-ruled notebook paper
- Crayons (16- or 24-count)
- Pocket folders with prongs
- Glue sticks
- Construction paper
- Single spiral notebooks
- Primary writing journals
- Erasers
- Index cards
- Mechanical pencils
Drop-off of supplies will be accepted at the following locations and times:
Sumter First Baptist Church gym, 107 E. Liberty St.
Monday, July 20 through Wednesday, July 22 from 9 a.m. to noon
Assured Partners, 1170 Wilson Hall Road
Monday-Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Colonial Neurology, 385 W. Wesmark Blvd.
Monday-Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Colonial Family Practice - Wesmark, 304 W. Wesmark Blvd.
Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to noon
Colonial Family Practice - Liberty, 674 W. Liberty St.
Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Colonial Family Practice, 325 Broad St.
Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sumter United Ministries, 36 Artillery Drive
Monday-Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Clearly mark your items, bags or boxes with "Gear Up for Learning 2026."
If individuals, churches, civic groups or businesses would like to sponsor a specific item, call (803) 775-0757 option 5, or email volunteer@sumterunitedministries.org.