Columbia, S.C. Raises Over $4.5 Million for Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts

Columbia, S.C. Unites for Recovery Efforts After Hurricane Helene

Columbia, South Carolina, is showing its strength and resilience in the wake of Hurricane Helene. The recent devastation from the storm prompted an outpouring of generosity, with over 4.5 million dollars already raised for the One SC Fund at the Central Carolina Community Foundation. Among the contributors, a substantial grant of 2.5 million dollars from The Duke Endowment stands out and highlights the community’s determination to support its own.

Supporting Our Communities

The One SC Fund was launched on October 1 as a statewide initiative aiming to provide relief and assistance to communities impacted by natural disasters across South Carolina. This fund specifically aids nonprofits operating in counties that have been designated for FEMA aid. With many residents experiencing what Georgia Mjartan, the president and CEO of the Foundation, describes as “unprecedented losses,” the support from both the corporate and philanthropic sectors has been vital.

Mjartan expressed her heartfelt gratitude during a recent chat, stating that it is uplifting to witness such immediate and long-term backing as residents begin to pick up the pieces after the disaster. It’s clear that the community is not only aiming to recover but to thrive again.

The Power of Small Donations

What’s truly inspiring is that, in addition to large grants, individual donations to the fund have already surpassed 100,000 dollars. This showcases the robust support from local residents eager to lend a helping hand to their neighbors in need. It’s this community spirit that brings hope during challenging times and reminds us all of the importance of pulling together.

Corporate Contributions

Many businesses within the state have joined forces to contribute to the recovery efforts. Notable donors include Blue Cross BlueShield of South Carolina, Wells Fargo, Genentech (a Member of the Roche Group), Rooms to Go, and Delta Dental of South Carolina. Each of these organizations has made a significant commitment to support humanitarian efforts, underscoring that helping one another is not just a matter of words but of action.

How to Help

If you’re feeling inspired to contribute to this noble cause, you can easily make a donation online by visiting www.OneSCFund.org. Alternatively, you can send a check made out to the Central Carolina Community Foundation – One SC Fund to the following address:

Central Carolina Community Foundation
2142 Boyce Street, Suite 402
Columbia, SC 29201

A Collective Effort

The response to Hurricane Helene shows us that despite the tough times, our community stands strong. Each contribution, big or small, plays a crucial role in helping families rebuild their lives and restore hope. The One SC Fund exemplifies how united we can be in facing adversity, and how together, we can pave the way towards recovery.

As Columbia continues to recover from the aftermath of the hurricane, it’s important to remember that the road ahead may be long, but with the compassion and generosity of our community, we can ensure that no one has to face these challenges alone.