Holiday Gift Guide 2022

Holiday 2022

Gift Guide

It’s the holiday season, and there are two types of people: those who already have their gift shopping done and everyone else who needs to read this guide. If you’re still (like us, procrastinators) looking for the perfect gift for friends and loved ones, get the best of both worlds and pick something from this guide that promotes locally owned businesses. Shop at small businesses around Sumter and Clarendon counties and find a unique item, from stocking stuffers to so much more.

This guide has more. If you are one to want to help others this holiday season, we have information in these pages about local nonprofits that could use your donations or time. So help yourself and others by browsing this special publication from The Sumter Item, and have a safe and enjoyable holiday season in a way that is meaningful to you.

SPCA ASKS RESIDENTS TO BE PREPARED before adding to the family this holiday season

BY ASHLEY MILLER ashley@theitem.com

Around Christmas, lots of pets join families, especially puppies or kittens. However, they don’t always stay for long.

Unfortunately, Sumter’s SPCA sees a lot of dogs, cats, kittens and puppies brought back to the shelter about six weeks after they’re taken home.

Sumter SPCA was organized in 1969 by the late Elaine Korn and has stayed at its original location since at 1140 S. Guignard Drive. It has cared for more than 200,000 animals since its opening and is a nonprofit organization that operates on donations from the public, according to the website.

Ann Floyd, public relations specialist for Sumter SPCA, said when people fill out applications to adopt an animal, that is when staff determines if it is the right time for a person or family to adopt.

“Puppies and kittens take a lot of work, especially if you have never owned an animal before. It’s not just the magical, ‘Oh, I’m getting a puppy for Christmas,’ but it’s a lot of work,” Floyd said.

Floyd compares the pets to human babies. She said that is the best way to describe the hard work it takes to own one.

Kayla Siegel, Sumter SPCA assistant to the president, said it only takes six weeks until animals start flooding back in, and it’s a common sight after adoptions around the holidays.

She said the reason for the returning pets is because most of the time, people don’t realize how much time and effort it takes to care for an animal.

Occasionally, parents learn their kids don’t want a pet or the responsibilities after asking for one.

SPCA in Sumter has one rule: If you adopt from them, and you don’t end up wanting the pet or can’t take care of it, the pet must be brought back to that specific shelter.

“We just like to know if they are going to a good home, and that is why we would rather them come back here,” Floyd said.

Siegel said pets are a lifetime commitment and people who are thinking about adopting need to be fully sure they are ready to invest the time and money it will take.

“Adopt, Don’t Shop” is a phrase that is heard around protests involving shelters, breeding and purebred animals. Siegel and Floyd agree with the phrase because of the number of strays that are brought in.

However, if a family is truly ready to adopt, the local shelter is a great choice. Families not only add to their crew at an affordable price, but they’re also rescuing a forever companion who, if they could talk, would call you home.

Siegel encourages families to consider a rescue before spending thousands or hundreds on a purebred puppy.

“You have people going out spending three grand on a purebred dog versus them coming in here and complaining about $175 adoption fee on a mixed-breed dog that is fully vetted,” she said.

Sumter SPCA takes care of the animal’s medications, shots, grooming and their needs until they are adopted, and because it is a nonprofit organization, the adoption fees help with those costs.

“These people are out here breeding these dogs for money versus these animals here that didn’t ask to be here and are essentially homeless,” Siegel said.

It’s a heartbreaking sight, the dogs and cats in cages, who once had a family that gave them up or never had one at all.

“They did nothing wrong,” Floyd said. “They just want to be loved.”

Sumter SPCA’s one goal is to get every animal in their shelter adopted to a good home, no matter how long it takes.

Floyd and Siegel said the biggest help, especially during the holiday season, is to make sure if someone is looking to adopt that they have the time, money and patience.

“You have animals come in here who are terrified, some that are only used to living on the street, some who were abused, some who are confused why their family left them,” Siegel said. “Just like us, animals can have trauma, too, and it just takes time.”

While the pets stay in the

shelter, getting pampered by the staff daily, Santa will also spoil the SPCA residents with a visit this holiday season.

On Dec. 4, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sumter SPCA will hold Pictures with Santa for pets. People can make an appointment with Kayla Siegel by calling the SPCA or in person. Pictures with Santa are $25, and appointments are recommended.

The money will help to care for the animals at the SPCA.

For more information about the SPCA, call (803) 773-9292 or visit www.sumterscspca.com.

The Sumter SPCA also encourages residents to donate items such as toys, stuffed animals, food, litter, newspapers, baby blankets, treats, leashes, collars, trash bags, all-purpose cleaner and more this holiday season to assist staff with animal care.

SUMTER NATIVE BOBBY RICHARDSON HONORED IN 2022 KEEPSAKE ORNAMENT

By Alaysha Maple

he was an eight-time AllStar, a five-time Gold Glove Award winner and played three times in the World Series.

The holidays are approaching quickly, like a fastball, and the City of Sumter Tourism has the perfect ornament to dress up your holiday tree.

The City of Sumter’s Tourism announced the 2022 Keepsake Ornament, “Bobby Richardson Baseball Complex,” as the newest addition to its Sumter Keepsake Ornament Series.

Sumter icon Bobby Richardson played second base for the New York Yankees from 1955 to 1966. He was named MVP in the World Series in 1960 — the only time a player from the losing team has been awarded such an honor, according to Sumter Tourism.

Richardson was quite the accomplished Sumterite, as

To honor the native legend, the Bobby Richardson Baseball Complex was built inside Palmetto Park, 416 S. Wise Drive. His autograph, favorite Bible verses and listings of his professional accomplishments are inscribed throughout the complex.

As the Keepsake Series combines the past, present and future to represent the best of Sumter, residents are able to bring a piece of Richardson legacy into their homes this holiday season.

The “Bobby Richardson Baseball Complex” is a keepsake ornament to celebrate the community’s “favorite Yankee” and Sumter sports.

Ornaments will be available by Dec. 1 at the Swan Lake Visitors Center, 822 W. Liberty St., Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce, 32 E. Calhoun St., and Simpson Hardware, 40 W. Wesmark Blvd.

The ornament is $15 plus tax, or $16.20 in total.

Super fun holiday gift ideas that get kids excited to learn

(StatePoint) Shopping for kids this holiday season and looking for gifts that offer some educational value? The good news is that you don’t need to sacrifice fun! Here are five awesome gift ideas that will get schoolage kids excited about learning outside the classroom.

1 With the Magic Adventures Microscope, young biologists can explore tiny worlds full of huge discoveries, zooming in on flowers, animals, food, minerals and more using eight double-sided smart slides that activate amazing BBC videos and images. Inquiring minds can discover answers to curious questions like: How do leaves change colors? What do plant cells look like? What is sand made of anyway? They can also make their own discoveries by finding things around the house and getting a closer look using the reusable slides or large sample tray. With up to 200x magnification on this real microscope, kids will be amazed by what they see. A capture-

and-save feature allows for documenting findings, and included games and quizzes add to the fun and let kids put their knowledge to the test.

2 Reading enthusiasts will love a subscription to a book of the month club offering selections for their reading level and interests. This is not only a great way to promote a lifelong love of literature,but it can also help a young reader build their home library.

3. Fledgling explorers can travel the world and see everything in it with the Magic Adventures Globe from LeapFrog. Using the stylus, children can tap on the interactive learning globe and experience new places, languages, cultures, animals, geography, habitats and more through high-quality BBC videos. Featuring an integrated video screen, animations and live-action videos fully immerse kids in the curriculum to provide a better understanding of the world through more than five hours of videos. They can also play interactive games

to explore the globe, challenge a friend and solve mysteries. With their focus on curriculum-based content and important foundational skills, LeapFrog toys offer experiences that make learning fun.

e origins of “ e 12 Days of Christmas”

4.

Encourage kids to become informed citizens of the world with a subscription to a news magazine designed just for them, such as “The Week Junior.” This is an excellent way to build vocabulary, while engaging kids on a wide range of subjects -- from culture and arts to science and government -in a way that’s appropriate for their age.

5 Foster a love of fine arts by gifting kids an all-in-one sketching, painting and coloring set complete with everything they need to unleash their inner Picasso. Pencils, markers, acrylic and watercolor paints, along with brushes, paper pads and canvas boards, will give artists of all ages the foundational tools they need to try their hand in various mediums.

Christmas carols can be heard far and wide from Thanksgiving weekend through Christmas Day. “The 12 Days of Christmas” is one of the most recognizable carols, and for good reason, as the popular song can trace its history back several centuries. Researchers have traced the earliest printed version of the poem on which the song is based all the way back to 1780. That’s three years before the signing of the Treaty of Paris, which officially ended the American Revolutionary War. The song has long been suspected to have been a way for Catholics in Britain to teach their children the catechism, as the 1700s was a controversial period for Catholicism in the country. However, no documentary evidence exists in support of that theory, and many historians feel it is inaccurate. Others indicate that, while 1780 is likely the first time the poem was printed, the poem is likely much older than that, with origins potentially in France or Scotland. What is known is that the version many people recognize today, namely in song form, can be traced to the early 20th century, when English singer and composer Frederic Austin first popularized the melody for the song. Austin performed that version of the song beginning in 1905, and it was first published in 1909.

Preventing scams and fraud this holiday season

to your bank account and use it to transfer money within moments.

(Statepoint) Scams and fraud are more deceiving these days, reaching you in more ways than ever before. The FTC reported 2.8 million fraud reports from consumers in 2021 alone, with reported fraud losses increasing 70% from 2020 and more than $5.8 million.

Scammers begin their traditional uptick at the start of the holiday season, and identity theft protection expert Carrie Kerskie says being aware of what new cyber and phone fraud trends to look out for is your biggest defense against unwanted fraud.

“The more that we can get this information out there the better,” Kerskie recently told TMobile Stories. “Unfortunately when it comes to technology,

privacy and identity theft, the same old advice that was given 10, 15 years ago is still the gospel of what you’re supposed to do. And that is outdated. None of it works. It’s not true, it’s not relevant anymore.”

Scammers have expanded from targeting consumers with only traditional email and phone calls. The most recent trending scams are occurring using person-to-person payment platforms or P2P, remote access software and even public Wi-Fi.

Kerskie says the most desirable accounts to criminals include bank accounts, mobile phone accounts, credit card accounts and Amazon accounts. Now, with P2P payment platforms, criminals can get access

The latest tactic that concerns Kerskie is using remote access software to gain access to everything on your computer without having to directly ask you for things like your social security number, bank account or credit card number. While many workers use remote access software safely from their companies’ IT departments, criminals are also using this software in their scams.

Criminals also try to access your information in settings like coffee shops or libraries using public Wi-Fi. A laptop or smartphone using public Wi-Fi can easily fall victim to scams. An easy fix is to use your smartphone’s wireless data and hotspot to help keep your personal information secure.

Kerskie says there are ways to keep scammers and fraud at bay ahead of the holiday shopping season.

Prioritize Privacy: Kerskie says, if it’s easy for you, it’s easy for a criminal. Privacy means having strong and unique passwords with a minimum of 12 characters, and for pins using random numbers and taking advan-

tage of extra security. Enabling multi-factor authentication on your various apps and accounts will also protect yourself from potential threats.

Use Available Resources: Take advantage of the free anti-fraud safeguards offered by your mobile carrier. In the case of T-Mobile’s Scam Shield, services include enhanced caller ID, scam ID and blocking, which flags suspicious calls and gives customers the option of blocking those numbers. Additionally, customers can get a free second number to keep their personal number personal, or even change their primary number completely.

Validate or Eliminate: Whatever potential threat you come across via email, text message, letter or even a phone call, try to validate the information. If you cannot confirm the information is true or confirm the senders’ validity, throw it away, block the phone number or email address and report it as spam or junk mail.

Understanding how potential cyber threats and fraud work will help protect you this holiday season and beyond.

Safety rst when buying toys for children this holiday season

December is a special time of year for children, millions of whom await the arrival of Santa Claus and the bounty of toys he delivers each year. When buying holiday gifts for youngsters, adults must consider safety. According to the Alliance for Children and Families, approximately 217,000 children are treated at hospital emergency rooms for toy-related injuries each year. Holiday shoppers are urged to stick to age-related recommendations on product packaging and avoid toys that do not contain the ATSM (American Society for Testing and Materials) label.

5 A ordable holiday gift ideas with a personalized touch

(StatePoint) Are you struggling to find thoughtful gifts for everyone as you make your holiday shopping list? Well, it’s time to get personal! By giving a personalized gift, the recipient will feel special knowing it was created and picked just for them. Here are a few customized gift ideas that they’re sure to love that won’t break the bank.

1. Make their holidays magical with video greetings. Perfect for spreading holiday cheer, SmashUps from American Greetings are highly personalized, smile-inducing, shareable videos. There are options for everyone, like a message from Santa that calls the recipient out by name and location, or a customized winter greeting delivered by a talking penguin. SmashUps can check the box for holiday greetings, or you can include a digital gift card to fulfill your gift-giving needs.

With a subscription, you’ll unlock access to all of American Greetings’ digital offerings, meaning

you can send unlimited SmashUps year-round. Subscriptions are $6.99 per month or $29.99 per year.

2. Photo finish. Photos are a simple and affordable way to personalize gifts. Start by choosing your favorite pic with the recipient and then determine how you’d like to deliver it. Whether it’s in a unique frame, or printed on a personal item, such as a mug, blanket, keychain, phone cover or even an ornament for their tree, the recipient will know how much they mean to you each time they view it.

3. Initial thoughts. While not everyone wants to be in pictures, adding personalization to a gift item by using your recipient’s name, initials or monogram can be a great alternative. And with a wealth of online sites from boutique stores like Marley Lilly to major retailers like Amazon offering this service, you’ll have endless options—at various price points—to meet your shopping needs.

4. Eat, drink and be

merry. They often say the way to the heart is through the stomach. So, whether it’s a foodie friend or a family member who has it all, making their favorite meal, treat, drink or dessert can be the ultimate thoughtful gift. Plus, it can provide you quality time together as you deliver the delicious treats to their home or host them at yours -that is… if they’ll share!

5. Write a Message by Hand. In an age where everything is digital, seeing a loved one’s handwriting — whether it’s scribbled by a child or printed by a grandparent — can be a special memento and unique way to customize a gift. Gift ideas could be handwritten messages and affirmations; a recipe book of your family favorites; or your handwriting could be inscribed onto a gift item like a keychain, picture frame or necklace.

Just remember, it’s the thought that counts. And luckily many personalized gifts don’t have to be costly to be remembered.

(StatePoint) Holiday shopping for families with children? Check out these five totally screen-free gift ideas that are sure to brighten the season by getting families to spend some much-needed quality time together.

1. Upgraded outdoor games: Give outdoor play an upgrade with KidiGo NexTag from VTech, designed for ages 5 and up. Way more than just tag, it’s a high-tech spin on 20 different backyard games including capture the flag, freeze tag and hide-andseek. To play, all you need are the four included electronic units and adjustable arm bands. A friendly voice explains the quick and easy-to-learn rules and no referee is required -- the game lets you know who got tagged, who’s safe and who’s it. With single- and multi-player options, the whole family can get in on the fun, especially when you combine two systems. Play indoors or out with a 135-foot range between units. All you have to do is press the big button and tag, you’re it!

2. Kitchen assistance: Introduce adults and kids alike to the fundamentals of baking with a family friendly baking kit subscription. Each month, a new kit is mailed to your recipients’ home with recipes, activity booklets and all the ingredients needed to create something delicious.

3. Swim time: The weather may be frightful, but that’s no reason why families can’t enjoy a delightful day at the pool. Consider gifting your favorite family with a day pass to an indoor aquatic center or water park. For families with young children, look for a facility that offers splash pads and swim lessons. For those with older kids who are already proficient swimmers, check for amenities like water slides and wave pools. Want to take it a step further? Sign your recipients up for an indoor pool membership until summer returns.

4. Inspiration: Give families all the ideas and inspiration they need to beat boredom, create new traditions and make memories with “The Adventure Challenge: Family Edition.” This journal offers 50 adventures in different categories, along with space to share thoughts and photos about each experience.

5. Board--not bored: Encourage some good oldfashioned family fun with board games. From chess and checkers to modern classics to the latest trendy games, this is a gift option that’s sure to engage family members of all ages.

seeks volunteers for the holidays

BY SHELBIE GOULDING shelbie@theitem.com

It’s that time of the year to give back in more ways than one, and The Salvation Army in the Sumter region is ready to kickstart its festive campaigns.

New to the Sumter, Clarendon and Lee Salvation Army are Maj. John and Geri Dancer, both northerners, who just celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary this year. The duo moved to Sumter on June 20 with a mission to “leave things better than how we found it.”

With The Salvation Army’s busiest season in full swing, the Dancers have a great place to start with the organization’s annual red kettle bells, Angel Tree program and toy drives.

“The bell ringing sells quickly,” John said.

The red kettle campaign is a volunteer-based fundraiser to support The Salvation Army’s programs including utility, food and clothing assistance; to provide emergency lodging and household goods to fire and flood victims; to support the

Boys and Girls Club; to respond to emergency assistance during times of disasters; and to provide gifts and food for families during the holiday season.

The bell ringing season runs from Nov. 10 to Dec. 24 every day except Sundays. Volunteers can adopt as many kettle locations as they wish to for one day and ring bells from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

You pick the time, and The Salvation Army will provide volunteers with a kettle, stand, apron and bells.

John encouraged volunteers to sign up now by calling him at (404) 664-9774 or by emailing sumtersc@uss.salvationarmy. org.

Another one of his favorites he said does well is the Stuff A Bus in December. This year, one will take place in Manning and another at Sumter Walmart.

Something both the Dancers are proud to take part in is the Angel Tree program that’s designed to give children in need a new toy or clothing.

Geri said they have 300 fami-

lies, with nearly 400 children, in need of assistance so far.

They also have Senior Angels as well, with about 20 older adults set on a tree to receive a gift this year. The number has increased this year from last year’s 15, she said.

“I firmly believe that every child should be able to open something new on Christmas morning. While we don’t guarantee the specific requests of people, we try to come as close as possible, that they will be pleased with what they get,” Geri said. “The only way we can do that is through the donations and the gifts from people in the community.”

Angel Trees will be in Walmart, Continental Tire and Laurence Manning Academy this year. Geri encourages all who are able to take part and give to a child in need, just as she and her husband do every year.

“We pick an angel. We lost a child 29 years ago, and we do an angel on the tree for her,” Geri said. “It does your heart good.”

She stressed that the older adults signed up for Senior Angels also deserve to open a gift this Christmas and asks volunteers to consider taking both an older adult and a child angel this year.

“We can’t do that on our own. We don’t have the funds to do that, so we’re really dependent on the community to help us out,” Geri said.

John said the goal for Christmas this year is to raise $146,000 through monetary donations, mail appeals and the bell ringing kettles - that’s just $1,000 more than last year’s total raised.

“Our job has always been to leave it better than how we found it,” John said, “whether it’s financial or people wise, program wise, spiritually, that’s always our goal.”

For information, to volunteer or to donate, visit The Salvation Army of Sumter, Clarendon and Lee at southernusa.salvationarmy.org/sumter/home, call (803) 775-9336 or email SumterSC@ uss.salvationarmy.org.

Sumter United Ministries seeks volunteers to help give back during the holidays

BY ALAYSHA MAPLE ashalaysha@theitem.com

As the weather outside turns frightful, Sumter United Ministries gears up to make the holiday season for community members delightful.

Founded Jan. 12, 1994, Sumter United Ministries sought to provide a platform for churches throughout Sumter to meet the needs of elderly, disabled or working residents as well as the homeless. Since its founding, SUM has grown to provide crisis relief, home repair, a homeless shelter, education assistance and medical services.

Mark Champagne, the ministry’s executive director, is proud of the organization’s contributions to the community year ‘round, season to season, rain, shine, snow or sleet. To help families in crisis is “a positive return on investment for the whole community,” the ministry’s website said.

“We’re a 365-days-a-year ministry,” Champagne said. “Every day of the year, we’re trying to help folks in our community.”

However, Champagne said there is something about the holiday season that makes giving back to the community a tad bit more special.

“This is the time of the year where people want to give,” he said. “It’s part of the season; it’s entrenched in it. We’re celebrating Christmas and the birth of Christ, so people just want to help others and get involved.”

This holiday season, SUM has several opportunities for community members to volunteer and make the season bright for their fellow Sumterites.

For November, about 150 families who have visited the ministry

for different crisis-relief needs will be selected to receive items to create a great Thanksgiving dinner. From the fixings to table staple meat, turkey, the ministry will bag and box these items to be handed out to the families. The ministry has done this for several years, and each time, the joy it brings to both the families and volunteers grows.

Churches throughout Sumter are collecting items, and turkey donations can come from the community as a whole and can be dropped off at the ministry, 36 Artillery Drive, or at Assured Partners, 1170 Wilson Hall Road.

Volunteers can help bag and distribute Thanksgiving meal kits on Tuesday, Nov. 22, from 1-3 p.m. at the ministry.

But the holiday cheer doesn’t stop there.

“We see so many people, between our construction ministry, we have people going to the clinic. There’s so many areas, and a lot of times we get those families who visit often, and we know they’re trying as best they can to put things together,” Champagne said.

The ministry will meet with individuals to learn what their needs are during the holidays. From there, churches and community members will sponsor a family or individual.

Items will be bagged and handed out on Tuesday, Dec. 20, from 1-3 p.m. at the ministry.

A large number of volunteers come out to help the ministry during December and will often load up their personal vehicles to help individuals bring home their gifts.

The ministry will also open its winter shelter for the third year to help individuals out in the cold

stay warm. Blankets for the shelter as well as gift cards for food or snacks for individuals to consume upon leaving can be donated to the ministry.

The community banding together is a sight to see for Champagne.

“We can get wrapped up all year round and be so busy with so many things we have going on, but during this time of year, you get connected and remain connected,” he said. “The holiday season can get you in the

mood to help folks, and once you do it, it becomes a part of your everyday life.”

Champagne shared that a SUM staff member began helping out 15 years ago by buying Christmas gifts for families. However, she saw how it positively affected families and wanted to do more. Today, she works in the crisis relief ministry.

“We have a lot of people connect during the holidays; it’s a good time of year to do that,” Champagne said warmly.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, but then you realize not one stuffer was in there. The late Ivy Moore, beloved Item Arts and Entertainment reporter, searched for the best items to stuff stockings with to share with last-minute gift shoppers. In light of her passing, The Sumter Item’s elves ventured to find gifts with price points both high and low to fill your stockings with cheer, all from local shops to also support small businesses.

The Item's Alaysha Maple gathered lists, checked them twice and even took photos at shops in Sumter, Clarendon and Lee counties of magical stocking stuffers: