Although many people think “it will never happen to me” the last several months have brought major disasters closer to home. The Feb. 7 explosion in Port Wentworth at the Imperial Sugar Refinery was followed weeks later by the tornados that destroyed Effingham County homes and shut down a power plant.  

Wal-Mart provided a generous donation of $2,000 Tuesday for local Effingham Red Cross services in recognition that disasters can happen anytime in our community and the Red Cross needs to remain prepared.

Within the last 10 months, Effingham County Red Cross volunteers have helped eight families who lost their homes to fire and six families who suffered when their homes were struck by spring tornadoes. The assistance provided to these 14 families totaled $10,235. Additionally, Red Cross volunteers partnered with the United Way of the Coastal Empire to provide casework services and dispense grants from the United Way Imperial Sugar Fund, helping more than 60 Effingham residents who were either Imperial Sugar employees or a contracted employee for the refinery.  

“Wal-Mart has a positive impact in every community it serves. Its employees are local residents and they care about helping their neighbors when emergencies happen. Our Red Cross volunteers are also local residents, so this is a great fit,” said Robin Wingate, American Red Cross CEO. “From the hearts of Wal-Mart associates to the hands of our volunteers, this generous donation will make its way to help local families when it is needed most.”