Support Sumter troops with Shower Shaw with Goodies on Tuesday

Spread holiday cheer with Sumter airmen and soldiers this season by donating to this year's Shower Shaw with Goodies.

Shower Shaw with Goodies is an annual, festive way to give back to Sumter's neighbors at Shaw Air Force Base by showering them with various goods, sweets and treats. The event has been a 30-year tradition in the community.

Formerly known as Shower Shaw with Cookies, where local organizations, businesses and churches baked hundreds of fresh cookies, the name and items changed to pre-packaged goods amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Cleo Klopfleisch, chair of the Shaw Spouses Club, said the idea of showering Shaw with goodies has stuck ever since.

Sumter Volunteers Inc. and Shaw Spouses' Club will sponsor this year's event with the donation drop-off set for Tuesday, Dec. 13, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Meeting House in Memorial Park, 118 N. Salem Ave.

Klopfleisch said if participants can't drop off until after 2 p.m., items can be dropped off at 207 Mason Croft Drive; items must be dropped off no later than Tuesday.

This year's effort aims to gift 500 U.S. Air Force and Army members based in Sumter. The two organizations are asking everyone to participate and donate the following items on Tuesday: plain candy kisses/chocolate mini bars, microwave popcorn, mini bags of pretzels or cookies and individual packets of hot chocolate.

Monetary donations are accepted to provide gift cards in the goodie bags - redeemable at local downtown Sumter bakeries and eateries.

For more information or to sign up to volunteer, contact Cleo Klopfleisch at (803) 406-2177.

Monetary donations can be dropped off on Tuesday or mailed today to Shaw Spouses' Club RE: Shower Shaw With Goodies, PO Box 52337, Shaw AFB, SC 29152.