United Way of the Piedmont and WSPA raise over $51,000 for disaster recovery

February 19, 2020

United Way of the Piedmont is thrilled to announce that in partnership with WSPA 7 News and the support of corporate partners, over $51,000 has been raised to help families in need following the tornadoes and severe storms in early February.

WSPA hosted a phone bank on Monday where United Way volunteers accepted calls from viewers wishing to donate. The phone bank lasted two and a half hours, and with the support of WSPA viewers, raised over $14,000. Additionally, BMW Manufacturing Co., Carolina Alliance Bank, Contec, Duke Energy, Michelin and Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System contributed $37,000 collectively.

Funds will be distributed to help individuals and families who have been displaced or are at risk of being displaced by the storms. Financial assistance is needed to help cover expenses such as tree or debris removal, relocation expenses, temporary hotel stays, hot meals, or replacement of furniture lost in the storm. Many families hit hardest are uninsured or underinsured and these expenses are enough to threaten their financial stability.

One such individual affected had been renting a home in the Highland community for over 20 years when the storms caused a tree to fall on her home. The home sustained such damage that the property owner decided to have the home demolished, leaving the woman with no home and few resources.

United Way of the Piedmont President & CEO, Paige Stephenson says, “We are overwhelmed by the generosity of viewers of WSPA and corporate partners! The commitment of this community to making sure that the impact of this event is just temporary for their neighbors is truly inspiring.”

Those in need of assistance should call 2-1-1 (or 866-892-9211) or visit SC211.org to be connected to resources in their area. United Way of the Piedmont will be monitoring these calls and distributing funds to the areas of greatest need.

United Way of the Piedmont will also be recruiting volunteers to assist in the recovery. Volunteer opportunities such as debris removal and cleanup are an immediate need and anyone interested in volunteering should contact Team Rubicon or Samaritan’s Purse who are coordinating those efforts.

To donate to relief efforts, please visit United Way’s website: https://uwpiedmont.org/AftertheStorm

 

About United Way of the Piedmont

United Way of the Piedmont is a local nonprofit that fights for the education, financial stability, and health of every member of our community. Our mission is to connect, engage, and inspire people to transform our community. We are more than fundraisers. We forge unique partnerships, find new solutions to old problems, and mobilize the best resources by inspiring others to join the fight. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to not just survive, but to thrive.