Donations to annual Sumter Fireside Fund help disabled father, 2 kids stay warm

With plenty of time left to make Christmas wishes come true, Sumter United Ministries recently assisted a family with an electric bill, ensuring they will have a toasty holiday.

Each fall and winter, The Sumter Item holds its Fireside Fund, which was established in November 1969 to help individuals and families keep warm in these coldest months. Money received is 100 percent donated to the nonprofit to provide heating assistance to those in need.

"This week, we assisted a client with an electric bill whose sole source of heat is electric," said Mark Champagne, executive director of SUM.

This client is a single dad in his late 30s with two children under 10 years old, he said. The man is disabled with severe mobility challenges and gets around with aid from a walker.

His income is restricted to a modest disability payment and a few other sources of income, he said.

With full expenses such as rent, utilities and food for a household of three, the client's monthly income of $1,300 does not go far, Champagne said.

He said the man and his family recently moved to a new residence and selected a prepaid electric account from Black River Electric.

These accounts are literally "pay as you go," he said.

When the energy has been used and the account balance reaches zero, disconnection is pending, Champagne said. With regular accounts, you may have a few days or even weeks before a due date becomes pressing. Prepaid accounts require immediate attention.

Champagne said the ministry was able to assist the client with a sizable credit to his account and sustain heat for him and his son and daughter for the cold nights ahead.

"This would not be possible," he said, "without your generous support to The Fireside Fund."

Donations received the week ending Monday, Dec. 17:

Glenmore & May Sharp Trust, $10,000; Alice Andrews-Michaux Bible Class, in memory of Jo Deil Altman, $250; Discovery Sunday School Class of First Presbyterian Church, $100; Elizabeth Wilson, $50; Brewington FCL, in memory of James A. (Sonny) Prescott, $80; Frances McIntosh, in memory of Jim McIntosh, $100; Reader's Club, $50; The Jill Harvell Group, First Baptist Church of Sumter, $75; Widows/Widowers Ministry of Mt. Zion MBC, $75; Bush and Nancy Hanson, $50; Perry and Mary Register, in honor of our outstanding neighbors and friends, $200; Will Fraser, $50; Judge and Mrs. Howard P. King, $50; Dora Brogdon Sunday School Class, Graham Baptist Church, $100; Mr. and Mrs. Harold Burr, in honor of Carol Burr, $100; Ken and Linda Watson, in honor of our parents, $250.