People & Events

Good Samaritans seeking donations for Christmas giveaway

The Good Samaritans For All People recently completed a successful Thanksgiving giveaway and is seeking donations for money as well as toys for children and household goods and supplies for needy families in the area for its Christmas giveaway.
The nonprofit organization, under the direction of the Rev. Eddie Thomas, serves families in nine counties, including Darlington, Lee, Sumter, Kershaw, Florence, Chesterfield, Clarendon, Marlboro and Williamsburg through its assistance program.
The program assists those less fortunate with food at Thanksgiving time and with food, clothing and toys at Christmas. “We really need your help in this program with contributions to help purchase food, clothing and toys for those who may qualify for it,” Thomas said.
Last year alone, the Good Samaritans provided items to more than 3,386 individuals, most of them children.
Each year the group also reaches out to schools with a back-to-school-giveaway of school supplies.
This year, the group is being asked to provide for more people because of the poor economy, Thomas said.
The organization accepts donations of nonperishable food, clothing, toys, household goods and supplies as well as monetary donations. All contributions are tax deductible.
For more information on how to donate to The Good Samaritans for All People, contact Thomas at (803) 428-4448 or 857-3700.

Three GSSM seniors score perfect on ACT

Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics seniors, Cuchulain Kelly of York, Sarah Lancaster of York, and Sharon Guffy of Camden achieved perfect scores of 36 on the ACT standardized test. All three students took the test this fall.
“When I first found out, I was really excited — I hadn’t heard of anyone getting a 36 before,” said Cuchulain Kelly. “I’m really glad I got that score.”
The ACT is a national college admissions test that consists of subject area tests in English, mathematics, reading and science. The test includes 215 multiple-choice questions and a 30-minute writing test.
“We are very proud of Cuchulain, Sarah and Sharon, and we join with their families and fellow students in congratulating them,” said Dr. Murray Brockman, president of GSSM. “Three perfect scores in a single year is very unusual. Every year the talented, hard-working and enterprising students at GSSM find new ways to surprise me with great results.“

Hospice ornaments now available

Hospice of Chesterfield County is offering the seventh in a series of Christmas ornaments depicting landmarks from throughout Chesterfield County. The 2008 ornament, made of fine pewter, depicts the Ruby High School. 
The ornaments are available at the Hospice office and at various locations throughout the county for a $12 donation. 
A limited number of the 2005 ornaments featuring the McBee Depot, the 2006 ornaments featuring the Patrick Depot and the 2007 ornaments featuring the Jefferson School are available at the Hospice office for a $12 donation. 
For more information about the ornaments, please call the Hospice office at 623-5526 or 537-2008 or 800-572-9322. 

ChildHelp Pee Dee offers holiday tips

Christmas trees… ornaments… lights… presents… shopping… long lines… cooking… the list goes on. 
What about the children?  For many, the Christmas holidays are a very busy time.  It can also be a very stressful time for many parents and family members for one reason or the other. 
In the midst of this holiday preparation, don’t forget the children.  Time with them is just as important as finding the perfect Christmas presents.
Whether they have been “naughty or nice,” children still need to know that they are loved.  Even in this busy, hectic, holiday season, remember to show love to your children. 
Here is a simple, time-efficient and cost-efficient “hands-on” recipe to help parents get through the holiday — without leaving the children out.
• An armful of Hugs and a pocket full of Kisses…These may just be some of their holiday wishes!       
• Endless mouthfuls of “I Love You”...to use throughout the day.
• A bagful of soft shoulder pats…to issue while they’re at play.
• Two loving hands for a simple, warm touch.
• One big loving heart that says “I love you very much.”

Third Thursdays with Kohl’s Safe Seats Child Safety Seat Check

Safe Kids Florence, led by McLeod Health, will host the upcoming Third Thursdays with Kohl’s Safe Seats Child Safety Seat Check Thursday, Dec. 18, from 4 until 7 p.m. in the Florence Kohl’s parking lot.
This child safety seat check is held the third Thursday of each month at this same time and location.
Safe Kids certified child safety seat technicians will check proper installation of child safety seats, correct those in need, and educate on proper installation and use. Participants must have both child safety seat and child present. Expecting parents, please bring seat.
Each child safety seat technician follows a child passenger safety checklist of child safety seat qualifications to ensure the safety of your child. The technician will determine if a new child safety seat is needed. If so, one per family is available while supplies last. If you are unable to receive a child safety seat at the event, please plan to attend the next Third Thursday event. Child safety seats are only available at each event while supplies last.
This event is open to all who are interested. The Kohl’s parking lot located at 3041 W. Radio Drive, Florence (Across from the Magnolia Mall).

PEOPLE IN UNIFORM
Army National Guard Pvt. Frankie Polson has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga.
During the nine weeks of training, the soldier received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history, core values and traditions.  Additional training included development of basic combat skills and battlefield operations and tactics, and experiencing use of various weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crewman.
Polson is the stepson of Edward Bishop of Bishopville and brother of Sheila White of Mulberry, Fla.

Army Pvt. Tianna M. Lyde has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson in Columbia.
During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises.
She is the daughter of Pamela Cooks of Hartsville and is a 2007 graduate of Hartsville High School.