Where to give: Waccamaw Community Foundation far surpasses COVID-19 fundraising goal
The Waccamaw Community Foundation and other local charities exceeded their coronavirus fundraising goal by more than $200,000 in two weeks as locals look for ways to help each other through the pandemic.
The Coastal Community Foundation led the fundraising efforts and coordinated other charities to help make a fund that could give grants to area nonprofits that are helping mitigate the virus’ impact on the area.
Horry County has had some of the highest unemployment numbers during the pandemic and has seen hundreds of businesses close their doors.
The money will go to help businesses pay bills, support shelters for the homeless community, provide mental health care and to helping folks afford groceries.
Local charities that have received funding include the Community Kitchen of Myrtle Beach, North Strand Housing Shelter, the Salvation Army of Horry County, Conway Downtown Alive, SOS Health Care and The Center for Counseling & Wellness.
If you’re interested in donating to the fund, visit the Waccamaw Community Foundation’s website.
Employees of the City of Myrtle Beach raised $5,000 to donate and the Disaster Recovery Fund for Horry and Georgetown Counties gave $40,000.
The Bakker family, founders of Blackbaud in Charleston, pledged to match donations up to $500,000. The community was able to raise $1.2 million and is now beginning to distribute the funds.
“This is about the health and welfare of our friends and neighbors, all along the coast, and we believe it important to think about those who are struggling with the basics,” Tony Bakker said.
This story was originally published April 21, 2020 at 10:59 AM.
