SUM uses donations to give resident best heating option
Sumter United Ministries Crisis Relief Ministry takes an active role in both fielding requests for heating assistance and assessing what is the best step for the client, said Kevin Howell, crisis relief ministry director.
Often, he said, it is sharing good information with clients, teaching about energy usage and having the flexibility to address important needs.
"For instance, we had a client that purposefully turned off her HVAC in order to heat with kerosene," he said.
Howell said the woman thought it was cheaper to heat with kerosene because her family always used kerosene heaters.
Kerosene is one of the most expensive options for heat, he said.
Many clients use ovens as an additional heater in the home, he said, turning it on and opening the door but not realizing how inefficient and dangerous it is to make that choice.
Recently, Howell said, a senior with no form of heat visited. She had a severe disability that makes her unable to work to supplement her Social Security, he said.
She has one son, he said, and he is unable to help her financially.
"She worked her entire life," he said, "but did not draw a pension from her employer."
Her entire heat pump malfunctioned, he said, and left her without any source of heat.
"We were able to assess her best options, and after some research," Howell said, "brand-new floor heaters were provided for her."
"In this case, she simply did not know what she needed," he said. "She only knew the problem: Her home was becoming too cold."
"It was with great joy that we were able to provide her with heaters," Howell said.
"Thank you for your generous support that makes this happen."
Donations received by Friday, Dec. 28:
Faith Circle, Goodwill Presbyterian Church, $75; Homer J. Smith, in memory of Robert Hugh Smith, $200; Charlie Pitts, in memory of Cathie Pitts, $25; Aldersgate United Methodist Women, $400; Walter and Judy Newman, in honor of Louise Newman Smith, $100; New Bethel Church, $25; Linda Hannibal, in memory of Roger Wheat, $100; in memory of Mrs. J.C. Pate, $20; Berthella S. Ellis, in memory of Richard M. Ellis, $50; David, Julie and Natalie Ardis, in memory of Dr. Carl Whetsell, $200; Sandra Wallace, in honor of T.B.C., $100; and Rita and William LeNoir, in honor of Vicki and Frasier Saunders and Martha and Rowland Alston, $200.
Total combined anonymous: $300
Total this week: $1,795
Total this year: $29,657
Total last year: $48,601.18
Total since 1969: $1,613,004.25
NEED HELP OR WANT TO DONATE?
Anyone in need of assistance with heating or heating utility costs can call Sumter United Ministries at (803) 775-0757.
How to contribute
Donations can be mailed to:
The Sumter Item
P.O. Box 1677
Sumter, SC 29151
Drop off donations at our office at 36 W. Liberty St.
What to include
Names, including groups, should be spelled completely. When making a donation in someone's honor, the names will be printed as given.