Turkey call: Local turkey drop-off drive sees slow start as part of Sumter United Ministries' Giving Thanks Dinner Box Program

It's time for the turkeys.

That is the saying going around Sumter United Ministries and Assured Partners/Bynum Insurance this week because it is turkey drop-off time for the general public as part of United Ministries' Giving Thanks Dinner Box Program.

Every year, churches contribute Thanksgiving sides and fixin's for the dinner box program that go to 150 families in need as determined by Sumter United Ministries. The nonprofit and Bynum Insurance collect at least 150 turkeys (hams also accepted) from the community that are part of the program.

And, in a special notice to Sumterites: They are pretty low right now.

As of Tuesday morning, United Ministries had only collected 34 turkeys (and zero hams) from drop-offs so far, according to Executive Director Mark Champagne. By midday, its totals had inched up to 42 turkeys and three hams.

The Bynum insurance agency on the west side of the City of Sumter has traditionally served as another turkey drop-off site, but its sign out front that gives a running tally did not get posted until Monday.

On Tuesday afternoon, it read one turkey collected.

That is 46 out of 150 turkeys or hams needed by next week.

Of note, Bynum's sign reads the need is 200 turkeys. Champagne said the insurance group is always a gracious supporter and sets its goal high to help more families throughout the holidays and the rest of the year because turkeys and hams freeze well.

"If we go over," Champagne said, "it is a good thing because we give out food year-round. It's good to have turkeys to be able to give out after the fact if they keep them frozen. Usually, we go over, but this is pretty low so far for this year. Generally, we have more than this. We need 150 for next Tuesday, no matter what."