O’So Smooth Ryderz Toy Giveaway on Dec. 20
SUMMERTON – Children ages 3-16 are invited to receive a present at O’so Smooth Ryderz 14th-Annual Put A Smile On A Child’s Face Toy Giveaway at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at Taw Caw Community Outreach Center, 1126 Grandby Lane. Children must be present and with a parent / guardian.
Christmas Food Giveaway dec. 20 at John’s Place
MANNING – John’s Place, 16 N. Brooks St., will hold a Christmas Food Giveaway from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 20. One box per family will be given, which includes traditional Christmas foods. For more information, call (803) 433-1252 or visit www.jlblackfoundation.org.
Steppin’ into the Holidays dec. 20 at resource center
SUMMERTON – K & H Resource Center is asking everyone to save the date for its Third-Annual Fundraiser “Steppin’ into the Holidays” Adult Sneaker Ball on Saturday, Dec. 20, at the Clarendon Community Resource Center gymnasium, 1154 Fourth St.
Ticket donations are $25 each.
For more information, contact Kathleen L. Gibson at (803) 225-0832.
Manning Police Toy Drive continues
MANNING – Manning Police Department has kicked off its annual toy drive and is asking the public to drop off new unwrapped toys to help ensure children in the community have a happy holiday. Please donate new unopened toys, stuffed animals, board games, dolls, toy cars, puzzles, sports balls, books and any other item a child would be happy to have. Drop off from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday at the Manning Police Department lobby, 42 W. Boyce St.
Cash donations are also being accepted. Donations can be dropped off at MPD or donated through the Cash App account: $ManningPoliceDonate.
For additional information on donating or receiving items, contact MPD via Messenger on Facebook or call (803) 435-8859 during business hours. If you are a parent in need of gifts for your children, contact Officer Thompson at cthompson@manningpolice.com or Officer Chere at wchere@manningpolice.com.
Summerton Police collecting toys
SUMMERTON – Help Summerton Police Department make sure every child has a Merry Christmas by participating in the Summerton PD Annual Christmas Toy Drive. Please drop off toys between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. at either Summerton PD, 2 Cantey St., or Summerton Town Hall, 10 Main St.
Blanket Drive will help older adults, homeless
GABLE – Let’s Read Clarendon is hosting the annual Blanket Drive to support Clarendon’s aging population and those experiencing homelessness. We’re asking everyone to partner with us to help collect blankets this holiday season. Donations of gently used blankets are welcome, or you may purchase new blankets and drop them off at Abundant Life Resource Center, 13386 US-301, Gable, on Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. For additional information, call (843) 598-8210.
Blood Drive will be held Dec. 28
MANNING – Give life by giving blood at Historic Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church’s American Red Cross Blood Drive from 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 28, at Clarendon County School District Administration Office, 125 N. Boundary St. To schedule an appointment, call Margaret Walker at (803) 309-1087 or log on to www.redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code EbenezerManning. Donors will get a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt and a $20 Amazon Gift card via email.
Soups, Stews & Sweets returns in January
MANNING – Get your ticket now for Soups, Stews and Sweets from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026. Stroll historic Brooks Street and enjoy favorites from local restaurants at North Brooks Street homes and businesses while viewing festive lights and chatting with friends. Check-in and parking will be held at Weldon Auditorium, 7 Maple St. Tickets are $35, which includes bite-sized dishes, beer and wine and music. Purchase tickets at https://tinyurl.com/4mjazd8n. Select “Other” at checkout to skip fees to Zeffy, the ticketing service.
Winter Coat Drive is ongoing
MANNING – Help those in need of a warm winter coat during the Winter Coat Drive. Drop-off locations are 107 Main St. in Summerton and 19 N. Brooks St. in Manning.
Donate to care closets at MJHS, Walker-Gamble
MANNING – Manning Junior High School, 1101 W.L. Hamilton Road, has begun a Clothing and Care Closet for its middle-school scholars. Some of the items needed include gently used pants, shirts, socks, new undergarments, feminine hygiene products, shoes, coats, deodorant, body sprays, hair ties, belts, school supplies, clothing racks, storage containers and more. If you have items to donate, contact Holly McCabe at (803) 435-8195 or email holly.mccabe@clarendoncsd.org.
A Comfort Closet has begun at Walker-Gamble Elementary School. Products are free to children who express a need. The following items are needed: feminine hygiene products, laundry items, boys and girls toiletries. Please donate and make a difference for students facing challenges. For information, call (803) 309-1087.
Dining and Cooking