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PALMETTO OPTIMIST 

Friends of Youth

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WHO WE ARE

About Us

The Palmetto Optimist Club is a volunteer organization dedicated to bringing out the best in the youth of the Sumter, SC community.  By providing hope and positive vision Optimists bring out the best in youth, our community and ourselves. 

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Join us on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7pm at the Sumter Chamber of Commerce.  

Call us at (803)847-5834

Email us at PalmettoOptimistClub@gmail.com

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @PalmettoOptimistClub

Download the complete 2024 Calendar

Join us for an exciting year of community engagement and support by downloading the Palmetto Optimist Club calendar of events for 2024! Our calendar features a lineup of memorable occasions aimed at making a positive impact, including the Sumter Microbrew Festival, Savor Sumter Burger Cook-off for Childhood Cancer, Reading in the Park, and Crochet Night for Childhood Cancer. Each event is an opportunity to connect, contribute, and create meaningful change in our community. Whether you're a beer enthusiast, a foodie with a heart for charity, a book lover, or a craft enthusiast, there's something for everyone to enjoy while supporting noble causes. Mark your calendars and join us in making a difference together! Download the calendar now to stay informed and get ready for a year filled with joy, compassion, and community spirit.

OUR COMMUNITY PROJECTS

Making a Difference

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READING IN THE PARK

"Reading in the Park" is a delightful event where every child receives free books, fostering a love for reading and learning. Attendees can donate or swap books, promoting sharing and literacy within the community. Amidst the greenery, captivating stories are read aloud, creating magical moments for young imaginations to flourish. This event is a cherished component of "Art in the Park," a larger celebration of creativity and culture that brings the community together in joyous harmony.

Crochet Night

Join us every month for a heartwarming crochet night dedicated to crafting blankets for children battling cancer. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned crocheter, all are welcome to lend their hands and hearts to this meaningful cause. Settle in with your yarn and hooks as we come together to create warmth and comfort for those in need. Our cozy gatherings foster a supportive environment where beginners can learn from experienced crafters, and seasoned hands can share their expertise. Together, stitch by stitch, we weave love and hope into every blanket, wrapping these young warriors in the warmth of our community's care.

Savor Sumter Burger Cookoff for Childhood Cancer

"Savor Sumter Burger Cook-off" is a mouthwatering event dedicated to raising funds for childhood cancer. Teams from the community come together to compete for the title of the best burger, offering an array of creative and delicious creations to tantalize taste buds. Beyond the sizzle of the grill, this event symbolizes unity and support as participants and attendees rally together in the fight against childhood cancer, turning a culinary competition into a powerful fundraiser for a noble cause.

Oratorical Entry Applications must be recieved by March 1, 2024 Essays and Applications mu

Scholarships

Topics are out!  Email PalmettoOptimistClub@gmail.com for more information. 

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Donate a Duffle Bag

Children in foster care often arrive in care with the clothes on their backs or all of their personal items in a garbage bag.  Your $20 donation will purchase a duffle bag for a child in foster care at Crosswell Children's Home in Sumter, SC.  The Palmetto Optimist club will personalize the bag with the child's name and deliver it to the home.  Click the duffle bag to the right to make your donation.

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Make A Donation

Donations to the Palmetto Optimist Club go to scholarships for local Sumter students as well as toward our community events.   Click the button below to make a secure donation. 

Check out the Event Details below or our Events Page for a full listing!

  • Crochet Night for Childhood Cancer
    Crochet Night for Childhood Cancer
    Multiple Dates
    Thu, Oct 10
    Trinity United Methodist Church
    Oct 10, 2024, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
    Trinity United Methodist Church, 226 W Liberty St, Sumter, SC 29150, USA
    Oct 10, 2024, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
    Trinity United Methodist Church, 226 W Liberty St, Sumter, SC 29150, USA
    Gather monthly for our crochet night, crafting blankets for children with cancer. All levels of crocheters welcome. Join us in weaving warmth and hope for these young fighters.
  • Optimist General Meeting
    Optimist General Meeting
    Multiple Dates
    Tue, Oct 15
    Sumter
    Oct 15, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    Sumter, 32 E Calhoun St, Sumter, SC 29150, USA
    Oct 15, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    Sumter, 32 E Calhoun St, Sumter, SC 29150, USA
    All are welcome to join us as we discuss upcoming events.
  • Highway Clean-Up
    Highway Clean-Up
    Multiple Dates
    Sat, Oct 19
    Location is TBD
    Oct 19, 2024, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    Location is TBD
    Oct 19, 2024, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    Location is TBD
    Every other month, we unite to clean up our community roads and highways, fostering pride and environmental responsibility. Join us in making a difference, one piece of litter at a time.
  • Sumter Art in the Park
    Sumter Art in the Park
    Sat, Mar 29
    Sumter
    Mar 29, 2025, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
    Sumter, 417 W Hampton Ave, Sumter, SC 29150, USA
    Mar 29, 2025, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
    Sumter, 417 W Hampton Ave, Sumter, SC 29150, USA
    Join us for Art in the Park, a vibrant community celebration of creativity and culture! This family-friendly event will feature Arts & Crafts vendors showcasing handmade goods and local artistry, perfect for browsing and buying unique treasures. Children will enjoy hands-on activities with free craf
  • Savor Sumter Burger Cook-off for Childhood Cancer
    Savor Sumter Burger Cook-off for Childhood Cancer
    Sat, Sep 14
    Sumter Rotary Plaza
    Sep 14, 2024, 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
    Sumter Rotary Plaza, 1 S Main St, Sumter, SC 29150, USA
    Sep 14, 2024, 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
    Sumter Rotary Plaza, 1 S Main St, Sumter, SC 29150, USA
    Tickets For Sale at Event. "Savor Sumter Burger Cook-off" is a mouthwatering event dedicated to raising funds for childhood cancer. Teams from the community come together to compete for the title of the best burger, offering an array of delicious creations to tantalize taste buds.
  • Sumter Microbrew - HippieFest
    Sumter Microbrew - HippieFest
    Fri, May 10
    Sumter
    May 10, 2024, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
    Sumter, 21 N Main St, Sumter, SC 29150, USA
    May 10, 2024, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
    Sumter, 21 N Main St, Sumter, SC 29150, USA
    Mark your calendars for Friday, May 10th, 2024, from 6-8:30 pm for the Downtown Sumter Microbrew Festival, brought to you by the Palmetto Optimist Club. Military or Senior Discount of $5 - Use the coupon code "military" or "Senior" on the check-out page. Valid ID checked at the door.
  • Reading in the Park
    Reading in the Park
    Sat, Apr 20
    Sumter
    Apr 20, 2024, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    Sumter, 417 W Hampton Ave, Sumter, SC 29150, USA
    Apr 20, 2024, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    Sumter, 417 W Hampton Ave, Sumter, SC 29150, USA
    "Reading in the Park" is a cherished event where every child receives free books, igniting their passion for reading and learning. As part of the larger celebration of creativity and culture known as "Art in the Park," attendees can donate or swap books, promoting literacy and community engagement.
  • Crochet (and Knit) Hats and Lap Blankets for Childhood Cancer
    Crochet (and Knit) Hats and Lap Blankets for Childhood Cancer
    Multiple Dates
    Thu, Dec 14
    Sumter
    Dec 14, 2023, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
    Sumter, 1835 Camden Hwy, Sumter, SC 29153, USA
    Dec 14, 2023, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
    Sumter, 1835 Camden Hwy, Sumter, SC 29153, USA
    For new and experienced crocheters and knitters. We meet on the 2nd Thursday of each month. Yarn, hooks, patterns and snacks are provided. Want to learn? Come on! Hats and lap blankets are donated to children battling cancer through Children's Cancer Partners of the Carolinas.
  • Downtown Sumter Fourth Friday
    Downtown Sumter Fourth Friday
    Multiple Dates
    Sat, Sep 23
    Sumter
    Sep 23, 2023, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Sumter, 21 N Main St, Sumter, SC 29150, USA
    Sep 23, 2023, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Sumter, 21 N Main St, Sumter, SC 29150, USA
    During the free concert series hosted by Downtown Sumter, we sell cotton candy and popcorn and give away free children's books.
  • Savor Sumter Burger Cookoff
    Savor Sumter Burger Cookoff
    Sat, Sep 16
    Sumter
    Sep 16, 2023, 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
    Sumter, 10 S Harvin St, Sumter, SC 29150, USA
    Sep 16, 2023, 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
    Sumter, 10 S Harvin St, Sumter, SC 29150, USA
    Burger Cookoff benefiting Children's Cancer Partners of the Carolinas.
  • Reading in the Park
    Reading in the Park
    Sat, Apr 22
    Sumter
    Apr 22, 2023, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    Sumter, 417 W Hampton Ave, Sumter, SC 29150, USA
    Apr 22, 2023, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    Sumter, 417 W Hampton Ave, Sumter, SC 29150, USA
    Free Books for Children! Purchase our amazing Optimist Burgers and Fries as you enjoy Art in the Park!

Learn more

Want more details about what we do? Scroll below to find stories and the latest updates about how our work is helping make an impact. We invite you to learn more about our efforts and help spread the word.

Battle Buddies 2021

Learn More

Card Carrying Optimist

Learn More

Burger Cookoff 2022

Learn More
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Donate New or Used Bicycles

The Evening Optimist Club of Sumter conducts an annual a project for underprivileged youth in the Sumter Community called “Cycles for Christmas”. Over the last 25 years more than 5000 bicycles have been given to needy children in the Sumter area. This year the Palmetto Optimist Club would like to continue to support that effort.

 

“Cycles for Christmas” involves collecting used bicycles, donated by individuals throughout the county, and having them repaired and/or refurbished to be distributed to deserving Sumter young persons. The Sumter County fire stations have agreed to serve as our drop off points again this year. The cycles are being collected, sorted and repaired by Optimist and other volunteers.

  

Donations can be made at all Sumter Area Fire Stations.

(Alice Drive Fire Dept. preferred) If you need bikes picked up or would like to volunteer your time, contact Tom Lawrence 803-983-2875.

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CONTACT US

803-847-5834

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