PALMETTO OPTIMIST
Friends of Youth
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
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.
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.
Check out the Event Details below or our Events Page for a full listing!
- Multiple DatesThu, Oct 10Trinity United Methodist ChurchOct 10, 2024, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PMTrinity United Methodist Church, 226 W Liberty St, Sumter, SC 29150, USA
- Multiple DatesTue, Oct 15SumterOct 15, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PMSumter, 32 E Calhoun St, Sumter, SC 29150, USA
- Multiple DatesSat, Oct 19Location is TBDOct 19, 2024, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PMLocation is TBD
- Sat, Mar 29SumterMar 29, 2025, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PMSumter, 417 W Hampton Ave, Sumter, SC 29150, USAMar 29, 2025, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PMSumter, 417 W Hampton Ave, Sumter, SC 29150, USAJoin 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
- Sat, Sep 14Sumter Rotary PlazaSep 14, 2024, 2:00 PM – 7:00 PMSumter Rotary Plaza, 1 S Main St, Sumter, SC 29150, USASep 14, 2024, 2:00 PM – 7:00 PMSumter Rotary Plaza, 1 S Main St, Sumter, SC 29150, USATickets 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.
- Fri, May 10SumterMay 10, 2024, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PMSumter, 21 N Main St, Sumter, SC 29150, USAMay 10, 2024, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PMSumter, 21 N Main St, Sumter, SC 29150, USAMark 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.
- Sat, Apr 20SumterApr 20, 2024, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PMSumter, 417 W Hampton Ave, Sumter, SC 29150, USAApr 20, 2024, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PMSumter, 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.
- Multiple DatesThu, Dec 14SumterDec 14, 2023, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PMSumter, 1835 Camden Hwy, Sumter, SC 29153, USADec 14, 2023, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PMSumter, 1835 Camden Hwy, Sumter, SC 29153, USAFor 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.
- Multiple DatesSat, Sep 23SumterSep 23, 2023, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PMSumter, 21 N Main St, Sumter, SC 29150, USA
- Sat, Sep 16SumterSep 16, 2023, 3:00 PM – 7:00 PMSumter, 10 S Harvin St, Sumter, SC 29150, USA
- Sat, Apr 22SumterApr 22, 2023, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PMSumter, 417 W Hampton Ave, Sumter, SC 29150, USA
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
Card Carrying Optimist
Burger Cookoff 2022
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.