Sumter Realtors' food drive collection for United Ministries ends today

After hearing of food supply needs at a local nonprofit agency, area Realtors have rolled up their sleeves and organized a public food drive that ends today.

Jay Linginfelter, Multiple Listing Service director with the Sumter Board of Realtors, and current Board President Jennifer Bauman of ERA Wilder Realty spoke this week on the Realtor Food Drive in support of Sumter United Ministries' food pantry.

After a newspaper article last week detailed food supply needs at United Ministries for qualified clients in Sumter, Linginfelter thought of the idea for the collection drive and contacted Bauman, who said she thought it was a great idea.

The list of immediate needs at the pantry includes oatmeal, farina, grits (instant or old fashioned), cereal, pasta (macaroni, spaghetti, etc.), canned spaghetti sauce, soups, canned ravioli and spaghetti, canned meat (tuna, chicken, etc.), peanut butter, jelly, canned vegetables, canned fruit and shelf-life milk.

Other items needed at the ministry organization include new socks (all sizes), new underwear (all sizes), diapers size 1-6, wipes, masking tape (1 1/2 inch), black Sharpies and laundry detergent.

The board of Realtors created a flyer and distributed it to area real estate offices and also on social media.

Anyone can donate items for the food drive to any local real estate office through 5 p.m. today.

Linginfelter said all supplies will be collected and delivered to United Ministries next week after the Labor Day holiday on Monday.

He advised individuals wanting to contribute to the food pantry after today to contact United Ministries directly at (803) 775-0757.

With community Fair Housing events and varied support to local organizations and fundraisers, Sumter area Realtors do more than just represent buyers and sellers, Bauman said.

"Supporting this particular food drive through United Ministries is just another example of the way we support the local community," Bauman said.