Sumter Salvation Army needs non-perishable food items; food drive starts March 1

A Sumter organization is asking for the community's help so it can keep helping others in the area.

The Salvation Army of Sumter's Maj. John Dancer is pleading for the community's help so they aren't forced to turn people in need away.

From March 1 to March 29, the local Salvation Army at 16 Kendrick St. in Sumter is holding a food drive for donations for any type of non-perishable food item.

"Our food pantry is low. We don't have the support we used to have due to the way the economy is going," Dancer said.

He said any food donation will help keep the organization from turning people away who need help.

"We don't want to turn people away," he said. "We need help so we can continue to help."

The international organization has met human needs without discrimination since 1865, assists approximately 23 million people annually, serves 134 countries and has more than 1.8 million members consisting of officers, soldiers and adherents, according to its website.

For more information or to donate, call the local organization at (803) 775-9336.