SAFE Federal Credit Union donates $22,200 to support Hurricane Helene disaster relief
December 18, 2024Families facing hardships from Hurricane Helene are receiving more than $22,000 in relief from SAFE Federal Credit Union ahead of the Christmas season.
The credit union’s “SAFE After the Storm” fundraising initiative involved members, non-members, and SAFE employees who collectively donated over $11,000 through online and in-branch giving. SAFE added its own corporate contribution to bring the total donation to $22,200.
“Our hearts go out to those affected by Hurricane Helene,” said President and CEO, Michael Baker. “We hope these donations will help families rebuild their lives and restore hope to all those who are suffering from the lasting effects of this devastating storm.”
Funds raised by SAFE are being equally distributed between the Salvation Army of South Carolina and the United Way of South Carolina. The contributions will be used to provide essential resources and long-term recovery assistance to families affected by Hurricane Helene.
“SAFE Federal Credit Union’s generosity will provide vital aid to Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene,” said Major Mark Craddock of The Salvation Army of the Midlands. “This donation is a shining example of how community partnerships bring hope and essential resources when our neighbors are in need. We are deeply thankful for SAFE’s commitment to making a meaningful impact.”
“The United Way of Sumter, Clarendon and Lee Counties would like to personally thank SAFE Federal Credit Union for their generosity this holiday season. It is so hard to imagine that so many of our fellow South Carolinians are just now starting to get back to some semblance of normalcy since Hurricane Helene hit our state on September 26th, causing over 1 million people to lose power and killing 49 people in our state alone. This is a very hard season for so many trying to rebuild or just figure out where to start over,” said Vicki Singleton, President and CEO of the United Way of Sumter, Clarendon and Lee Counties. “One hundred percent of your donations will go to the hardest hit areas of our state. We appreciate your compassion for your fellow man during this difficult time.”
The assistance from SAFE adds to the growing federal, state, and charitable response. Following its landfall on September 26, high winds and flooding from Hurricane Helene left as much as $47.5 billion in property damage across the region.
About SAFE Federal Credit Union
SAFE Federal Credit Union, founded in 1955, is one of the largest financial institutions based in South Carolina with over $1.8 billion in assets, 145,000+ members, and 19 branches. Membership is open to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Sumter, Lee, Kershaw, Clarendon, Florence and parts of Richland and Lexington counties. Membership is also open to employees of more than 400 companies located throughout the Midlands and relatives of those eligible to join. Connect with us at www.SAFEfed.org, on Facebook.com/SAFEfederalcreditunion or @SAFEFCU.