CHARLESTON, SC -- Over this past weekend, donations to First Federal grew to $15,307 for the Horry County Fire Relief Fund established by First Federal just last Friday, April 24.

The funds will support ongoing American Red Cross efforts as the fire continues to burn into this week.

The fund was opened April 24 with $12,000 contributed by First Federal and three Grand Strand insurance firms owned by the bank.

"The devastating fires in Horry County are really unthinkable as so many families are displaced," said A. Thomas Hood, president and CEO of First Federal. "We know the resources of the Horry County American Red Cross are stretched thin as they respond to so many huge needs, and we want to support their relief efforts as much as possible.

The Fund extends that opportunity to our friends and neighbors as well."

First Federal, Associated Insurors, First Southeast Insurance Services, and Kimbrell Insurance Group opened the Horry County Fire Relief Fund with $12,000.

The public is encouraged to contribute by visiting any First Federal office or giving an online donation at www.firstfederal.com 

"We greatly appreciate the community spirit of First Federal during such a difficult time," said Angela Nicholas, executive director of the Coastal South Carolina American Red Cross. "We are providing mass care sheltering and feeding for many displaced residents and since the fire isn't yet contained, we estimate our services will be needed for quite some time.

Support from First Federal and its insurance affiliates as well as the community is invaluable and we're so grateful."

No injuries have been reported, but preliminary counts indicate 2,500 people evacuated, and hundreds spent the night at shelters around the area. The fire was 84 percent contained and had destroyed or damaged approximately 150 homes as of Monday morning, according to the South Carolina Forestry Division.

The blaze began early April 22 near S.C. 90 and International Drive and quickly spread to the North Myrtle Beach Barefoot Landing area near S.C. 31 and S.C. 22.

First Federal operates 66 offices in coastal South and North Carolina with 16 located in Horry County. Contributions may be made seven days a week in First Federal offices within WalMart Supercenters, the Carolina Forest Kroger and Lowes Foodstores as well.

First Southeast Insurance and Kimbrell Insurance Group operate offices in Conway, Myrtle Beach and Murrells Inlet.

For more information, please contact First Federal at 800-768-3248 (toll free), 843-529-5800 or Nancy Olson with the American Red Cross at 843-764-2323, ext. 355.