United Way of the Coastal Empire has received an outpouring of community support to help the victims and their families who are affected by the destruction caused by the explosion and fire at the Imperial Sugar refinery in Port Wentworth on Feb. 7.

One hundred percent of contributions will go to assist employees and their families during this time of need.

The Colonial Group has generously committed to match up to $100,000 of funds raised by the community to benefit the “Sugar Refinery Family Support Fund” which was established by the United Way to help affected victims and their families.  

“We are extremely grateful to have a local company such as the Colonial Group for repeatedly reaching out to help our community in times of need,” said Gregg Schroeder, president and CEO of United Way of the Coastal Empire.  “It speaks volumes about the Colonial Group’s generosity and commitment to our human service community.”  

Colonial Group is the parent company of Colonial Oil and Enmark Stations.

Piggly Wiggly Carolina Company has also made an initial $10,000 donation to the fund and will continue to participate by allowing customers to make a donation at the register upon check-out. Registers in all Piggly Wiggly Carolina Company stores in Georgia and the Carolinas are set-up to process donations through March 17. Piggly Wiggly operates 10 stores in the Savannah area.

Individuals and corporations can make donations to United Way of the Coastal Empire earmarked “Sugar Refinery Family Support Fund.” All contributions will go to help affected victims and their families.