Ragin Prep Christian Academy hosts household supply giveaway in Sumter

Household cleaning supplies can get costly, but thanks to Ragin Preparatory Christian Academy, residents didn't have to worry about the cost of their supplies this weekend because they were free.

Several students, along with Ragin Prep faculty and staff, handed out free cleaning supplies at the drive-through supply giveaway event at the academy on Market Street on Saturday. People drove through the academy's parking lot to receive supplies, and parents received school enrollment information for the next semester.

Shawn Ragin, founder and headmaster of Ragin Prep, said they have hosted the giveaway at least four times since last fall to assist people in the community who need household cleaning supplies for safety provisions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

"We want to always engage the community, and what better way to do that to give something out that is considered essential at the time?" he said.

The academy handed out more than 152 baskets that included a variety of supplies, such as Lysol, bleach, hand sanitizers, cleaning alcohol, face masks and scrubbing pads. All supplies were donated to the school from various organizations and churches in the community. Ragin said the academy plans to host more events to provide essential services in the community.

"We have a really good plan for next month or in the future for our community, so we're in the process of planning that as well," he said. "We want to keep doing this."