Shower Shaw adjusts for pandemic; ‘Goodies’ to replace cookies

The 28-year tradition of Shower Shaw with Cookies program will carry on but with a slight adjustment caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The program that provides Christmas cheer and shows the community's gratitude to Shaw Air Force Base's service personnel has traditionally gifted homemade cookies to them. This December, however, Sumter Volunteers Inc., the Sumter community and the Shaw Spouses' Club will sponsor "Shower Shaw with Goodies."

Cleo Klopfleisch, chairwoman of the Shaw Spouses' Club, said this year's effort aims to gift 300 Air Force and Army members.

"We're asking organizations - nonprofit, for profit, churches, businesses, clubs, civic organizations and individuals - to donate items from a list of 10 goodies," she said.

These items comprise candy canes, plain candy kisses, microwave popcorn, mini bags of pretzels or cookies, Lifesavers, granola bars, small bags of mixed nuts, small bottles of hand sanitizers and face masks. The list can be found at https://bit.ly/2HcGEY4, where donors can sign up and see which items are still needed. Those without access to the internet can call Klopfleisch at (803) 406-2177.

Items can be dropped off at the Heart of Sumter Association, 207 Mason Croft Drive, where a box will be placed on the porch, or from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 2, at the American Legion Fair Memorial Building located at 30 S. Artillery Drive.

The club and Sumter Volunteers Inc. will sort the items and place them in bags for distribution at the American Legion, where Shaw personnel will pick them up for transport to the base.

Klopfleisch said donations of money will also be appreciated so the volunteers can purchase needed items. Donated items should be individually store wrapped, and "bulk boxes of items are greatly appreciated," she said.

For more information about Shower Shaw with Goodies, call Klopfleisch at (803) 406-2177.