Sumter Families Struggle with Unusually Cold Weather

Donations to Sumter United Ministries' Fireside Fund help provide heating assistance during cold snaps.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Recent weeks of unusually cold weather in Sumter, South Carolina have created challenges for many local families, especially those already facing financial difficulties. Sumter United Ministries has seen an increase in clients seeking help with heating bills, including a client named Mr. Smith who lost his job during a cold snap. Thanks to donations to the Fireside Fund, SUM was able to assist Mr. Smith and his family in staying warm for the rest of the winter.

Why it matters

The cold weather has impacted families across income levels in Sumter, with even middle-class residents struggling to cover rising costs for natural gas, propane, and other heating expenses. The Fireside Fund allows Sumter United Ministries to provide critical heating assistance to those in need during the winter months.

The details

Sumter has experienced several nights with temperatures below 30 degrees in recent weeks, as well as a substantial snow and ice storm. This has created hardship for many families, including one client named Mr. Smith who lost his job at a major company during the cold snap. Mr. Smith, a full-time worker supporting his wife and three young children, came to Sumter United Ministries seeking help with his Dominion Energy bill. The organization was able to assist him through the Fireside Fund, allowing his family to stay warm for the rest of the winter.

  • Sumter experienced several nights with temperatures below 30 degrees in recent weeks.
  • A substantial snow and ice storm hit the area a few weeks ago.

The players

Sumter United Ministries

A local nonprofit organization that provides crisis relief and other services to families in need in the Sumter, South Carolina area.

Mr. Smith

A full-time worker supporting his wife and three young children who lost his job at a major company during a recent cold snap in Sumter.

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What they’re saying

“We truly care about every person who walks through our doors. The Fireside Fund allows us at SUM to put love into action a little more than usual during the winter months.”

— Diane Garrick, Assistant Director of the Crisis Relief Ministry at Sumter United Ministries (theitem.com)

What’s next

Sumter United Ministries continues to accept donations to the Fireside Fund to provide heating assistance to families in need throughout the winter.

The takeaway

The Fireside Fund at Sumter United Ministries plays a vital role in helping local families, including those in the middle class, stay warm during periods of unusually cold weather that strain household budgets.