The Sumter EMC Foundation has donated $3,393 to the Hands of Hope Pregnancy Resource Center (PRC) to purchase new laptop computers and security cameras. This equipment will help the Center better serve its clients and improve its security for staff, volunteers, and visitors. The grant will allow Hands of Hope PRC to assist more clients and educate them to make life-affirming choices. 

Hands of Hope PRC serves seven counties, helping women and men facing unplanned pregnancies. All services are free and confidential, such as pregnancy tests, options counseling, ultrasound referrals, education on parenting, and adoption. They offer birthing classes, parenting classes, material assistance, and community resources. This grant will expand their capacity to serve more local families. 

"The Sumter EMC Foundation is pleased to support organizations such as Hands of Hope PRC that are helping local women and children thrive," said Andrea Walker, Chairman of Sumter EMC Foundation. "Hands of Hope PRC makes a meaningful difference for the local community."

The Sumter EMC Foundation was founded in 2003 and is funded by Cooperative members participating in Sumter EMC's Operation Round Up®. Every month, Sumter EMC rounds up the electric bill of participating members to the following whole dollar amount and deposits the difference into an interest-bearing account. The Sumter EMC Foundation's board of trustees administers the funds through grants to local schools and civic and charitable organizations. These grants give one hundred percent of the money collected to the community. The Foundation has awarded over $1,278,000 to community organizations in Sumter EMC's service territory.