HORRY COUNTY, SC (WBTW) – The holiday season is usually a busy time for charities in the Grand Strand, but even more so this year because of Hurricane Matthew.
“Everybody has to continuously work, constantly. There are no breaks. There’re no rest periods. You’re just on the entire time that you’re here”, says Tina Shuppey. She’s the Executive Director of Helping Hand of Myrtle Beach. Meredith Millen with the United Way of Horry County says she’s also working with several local non-profits who are overwhelmed by the greater need.She says many are working to provide basic necessities to hurricane victims, on top of the social services they already provide.
“We talk to staff all the time and they’re working extra extra hours. Money- I know that they’re stretched thin money-wise. They’re giving what they have already and then Hurricane Matthew hits and there’s all these extra people. It’s really been very difficult for our partners.”
Shuppey says Helping Hand has seen about a 1,000 more people than they did this time last year. She predicts that number is only going to grow. “I think a lot of people have to make a choice during Christmas. And they’ll tend to the family, and say I’ll worry about this electric bill, I’ll worry about this rent come January. And that’s when they’re looking for someone to assist them”
Shuppey says Helping Hand’s pantries are usually well-stocked thanks to donations from community members. However, she says the organization is struggling to raise enough money to assist with rent and utility payments. “You can see from the shelves we have a wonderful supply. It goes out as fast as it comes in. However, money, financial assistance hasn’t been coming in as fast.”
Both Millen and Shuppey say you can make the difference for these organizations right now.
“Volunteer! Do whatever you can to volunteer … but of course obviously we could use the money. All of our organizations are reeling and stretched thin. ”we rely on our community. They’re the ones who make the difference for the people here.”
To find out how you can help the United Way of Horry County or Helping Hand of Myrtle Beach, you can go to http://unitedwayhorry.org/ and http://helpinghandofmyrtlebeach.com/.