Around Town: Aug. 15, 2026
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Prisma Health Tuomey Hospice is always looking for volunteers to provide compassionate support for patients in their homes. There is a special kind of person who feels called to serve - not for recognition, but because compassion feels like part of who they are. Hospice volunteers provide companionship, comfort, and emotional support to individuals and families during one of life's most tender seasons. If you have a special gift such as musical talent, hair styling, or others, you may provide those gifts during your visits as well! No medical experience is required. Training, guidance, and ongoing support are provided. If you feel a quiet "yes" in your heart, contact the Prisma Health Tuomey Hospice office at (803) 773-4663 for more information.
The Alzheimer's and Dementia Caregiver Support Group meets the third Wednesday of each month at noon at National Health Care, 1018 N. Guignard Drive. It is led by Kristen Walton, director of social service for Caris Hospice. The group will help you develop a support system, exchange practical information on challenges and possible solutions, talk through issues and ways of coping, share feelings, needs and concerns and learn about community resources. Light refreshments will be served. Call (803) 773-5567 for more information. Covenant Place also hosts a monthly Alzheimer's Support Group at 2825 Carter Road on the first Monday of the month at 2 p.m. "This support group is offered with an open heart, a listening ear, and a safe space to share, learn, and breathe. You are welcome exactly as you are."
Life After Loss Grief Support Group meets every third Thursday of the month at 6:15 p.m. in The Shed at Christ Community Church Sumter, 320 Loring Mill Road, Sumter. "If you're entering a storm, walking through or after, this is a place for you to come and feel hope in your loss. Life After Loss is a grief support group, with the hopes that if you've had any kind of loss (parents, children, spouse, marriage, etc.), that you'll have a space to be with others just like you and those who can help." If you have questions, contact Amy Wilson at (803) 240-5443 or grief@cccsumter.com.
Sumter United Ministries is asking the public for donations to stock its food pantry. The food pantry shelves are emptying much faster, which is why the ministry is seeking the community's help. The pantry frequently runs out of the following items: Chef Boyardee, Pasta Roni and Knorr pasta bags, Knorr rice bags, beef stew, Manwich, mac and cheese, dry instant milk, instant potatoes, jelly, grits (canisters and boxes of individual packages), oatmeal (canisters and boxes of individual packages). Donations can be dropped off at Sumter United Ministries, 36 Artillery Drive, Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Are you a personal or professional caregiver? Are you feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, confused? You may even be feeling angry or frustrated. Does the thought of just taking five minutes out of your day seem impossible? Taking care of yourself is a must, especially when you are a caregiver. If this sounds like you, the Take Five - Caregiver Support Group would love to have you come and join us for an ongoing caregiver support group where we will strive to gain the tools needed to help us. If you're not taking care of yourself, you can't effectively take care of anyone else. The group meets from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Prayer Chapel at Alice Drive Baptist Church, 1305 Loring Mill Road, Sumter. Remaining 2026 dates are Aug. 19; Sept. 2, 16 and 30; Oct. 14 and 28; and Nov. 11 and 25. Facilitator is Debbie Sage, CEOLD, CGC, (803) 795-8076, Dsage183@gmail.com. The church office can be reached at (803) 905-5200.