For approximately the cost of a cup of coffee, you can help create opportunities for local children and familes right here in Sumter County
We're not asking businesses to solve every problem facing our community. We're simply asking them to become part of the solution.
Why donate to “Count Me In”?
Managed by the Heart of Sumter, a homegrown nonprofit, Count Me In is focused on expanding opportunities for children and youth in our county. Data shows children who feel noticed and cared for grow up to be caring members of society. Law enforcement can predict what youth will get in trouble.
Reaching out to local businesses, we enroll employees and employers through simple payroll deduction. Regular pledges – weekly, monthly, or otherwise – of any amount are banked and recorded. All donations are deposited and carefully awarded to people and programs serving our county's children: with camp scholarships, art classes, tutoring, skills training, school vacation sewing camp, and more.
Investing in Prevention. Building the Future
Sheriff Bryant spoke to a Heart of Sumter gathering of citizens and local leaders addressing the growing gun and gang violence in Americus. His Department's data confirms that when children are occupied with healthy alternatives – such as attending Dwight Harris's Sumter Basketball Camp – CRIME RATES DROP.
"When children are occupied with healthy alternatives, crime rates drop."
-Sheriff Harris
With a workforce of more than 13,000 women and men, imagine what we could do for Sumter County kids if every employee gave just $3 a paycheck.
Count Me In's first contributors came through the Sumter County Board of Realtors, which considers community service an essential part of a Realtor's profession. Truly, we all want to live in a safe, healthy county where all neighborhood streets are free from criminal mischief.
With each donation pledged, we are farther on our way. Heart of Sumter promises full financial transparency, with our books reviewed by one of our donors, Donnie Roland of Chambliss, Sheppard, Roland & Associates, LLP.
Can our charming Enrollment Guide come to your workplace with an invitation to join Count Me In? Please pray and weigh the value of joining COUNT ME IN. Sumter County takes care of its own.
"Essentially, the county's interest in children is limited to funding the public schools and an age-limited recreation program. The county’s swimming pools are 70+ years old, often closed for repairs. The Boys and Girls Club is long gone. Many churches do have youth programs, typically only for their member families. We need to encourage development of more family friendly programs and activities."
-Sheriff Eric Bryant
"We're not asking a few people to do a lot, We're asking many people to give a little so together we can make a big difference. "
- Heart of Sumter