Around Town: Aug. 22, 2026

During the '60s there was a select group of female students from the then all-black Lincoln High School in Sumter. They were chosen to participate in the American Red Cross Candy Stripers hospital volunteer program. They assisted in various tasks depending on the moment's need. Because they were the first black students to be given this opportunity they were called the "First Black Tuomey Teens." If you or anyone you know remembers any information concerning this group, please email bplove7349@gmail.com
Sumter's Marine Corps League No. 1202 will host a Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, Aug. 29, at the VFW No. 3034, 1925 Gion St., Sumter, from 8 to 11 a.m. Tickets are $7 in advance but can be purchased on the day of the event for $7. It is your chance to donate to Toys for Tots and get a great breakfast.
The Shepherd's Center of Sumter Fall Session begins and invites all seniors age 50 and above for fellowship, classes, lunch and entertainment. It will meet every Thursday from Sept. 17 to Nov. 5 at Trinity UMC Fellowship Hall, 226 W. Liberty St., Sumter. For more information and detailed newsletter, email shepherdscenterofsumtersc@gmail.com.
Lee County EMS and the library are offering a free CPR class Saturday, Sept. 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participants will receive certification. The class will be held at EMS headquarters, 130 Industrial Blvd., Bishopville. Please call or come by Lee County Library to register at 200 N. Main St., Bishopville. The class is for ages 10 and up, but there is a limit of 15 participants. Everyone must register.
The next city Tire Buy-Back Event will be on Saturday, Oct. 24, at Sumter County Civic Center, 700 W. Liberty St., from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. During the event, Sumter city and county residents can receive $2 for each tire brought in for recycling. The event is open to residents only – no businesses. Limit 20 car tires per vehicle. No tires with rims. A valid SC ID will be required. For more information, call (803) 305-5266 or visit www.sumtersc.gov/litter.
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.
Transplant recipients Lenora Schwabenbauer and Lucile Watts are excited to share with all of Sumter and surrounding areas that God has led us to begin a transplant support group. We welcome all pre- and post-transplant patients and their loved ones. Our mission is to love, listen and support. Please share this information with any that you know that might need this support. Our first meeting is at Trinity United Methodist Church on Aug. 27 at 10:30 a.m. and every last Thursday in each month.
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 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.