Sumter Item launching Bouncing Back podcast to fundraise for nonprofits affected by COVID-19

No one, no business has been untouched by the COVID-19 pandemic, for better or for worse, but nonprofits have been hit especially hard.

Nonprofits that offer services to those in need, from food pantries and financial assistance to educational support and rehabilitation to families, have been a critical component of getting people through the pandemic. At the same time they've seen an increased need, the cancellations of events and festivals have meant sometimes massive sources of fundraising are drying up. Other nonprofits that provide art and performing arts in Sumter have remained dark for more than a year.

To help keep the area's nonprofits in the spotlight, The Sumter Item is premiering a new podcast series called Bouncing Back. This special season of News Without Ink, one of the Item Podcast Network's shows presented by SKF, will highlight a different nonprofit each episode and the corresponding event or festival that normally serves as a fundraiser for it.

Initial episodes include Oktoberfest and Sumter United Ministries, Sip and Stroll and Sumter Senior Services and Derby Day and United Way of Sumter, Clarendon and Lee Counties, and the list will continue to expand as we talk to more.

Episodes will feature conversations between the nonprofit's director and the event's organizer with the Item's Kayla Green, who hosts the podcast.

"Our community's nonprofits do such good work, whether that's providing critical needs to people or bringing us art and improving the quality of all of our lives," Green said. "At the end of each episode, we're going to ask those who are able to help and tell you how you can donate. I've seen the Sumter community respond to calls to help whenever needed, so I'm excited to see what kind of impact we can make together."

United Way will serve as a collection point for this venture, and listeners can earmark their donation for a specific nonprofit that is featured on the show. Donations made in general will go to an open fund for which local nonprofits can apply, or The Item will designate the beneficiaries.

New episodes will premiere each Wednesday and can be found on Spotify and the Apple Podcasts app. Episodes will also be posted on Facebook.