Press
GKCU members show support for Front Street Fire Relief
GEORGETOWN, SC (October 24, 2013) — In the early morning hours of Sept. 25 devastation shook the historic waterfront of downtown Georgetown when fire swept through and destroyed eight buildings in one block. Businesses and apartments above them were engulfed to leave behind just ashes of memories from centuries past.
Immediately residents and businesses throughout Georgetown County began to fill the need where it was needed most, including fundraising. GKCU branches joined those efforts and put baskets in the lobbies for members and staff to donate to relief efforts.
After weeks of collecting donations, including donations collected by the Georgetown Middle School BETA Club, GKCU was able to disburse the money to two causes.
Putting the people helping people philosophy into action, GKCU donated thirty-seven $20 gift cards to the local fire fighters of the Georgetown City Fire Department. The gift cards were given to each firefighter as just a small token of appreciation for not only what they did during the tragic fires on Front Street, but for all their efforts each and every day throughout Georgetown.
The remaining donations were given to city-wide Fire Relief Fund, distributed to those residents, business owners and employees directly affected by the fire, by a committee made of representatives from the Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Business Association, United Way, and City and County governments.
All total GKCU contributed approximately $3000 to the fundraising efforts.
“We couldn’t just sit by and not do anything to help,” states Nikki Ewing, GKCU Marketing Director. “It is a mission that we live every day for our members and this was a time when we knew we could return that ‘People Helping People’ philosophy back to the community in which we live and work. We are proud our members and employees continually step up and give back whenever asked and we couldn’t think of a better cause than rebuilding Georgetown after the fire.”
Currently, the GKCU branch in Georgetown is selling “Rebuild, Revive” wristbands for a donation of $5 or more. Wristbands were designed for fundraising by the Chamber of Commerce.
Georgetown Kraft Credit Union is a member-owned, full-service financial institution with branches in Georgetown, Andrews and Kingstree and Pawleys Island. Chartered 61 years ago, Georgetown Kraft Credit Union is a community-chartered credit union able to serve anyone who lives, works or attends school in Georgetown and Williamsburg counties. Georgetown Kraft Credit Union employees 39 people and offers a wide range of financial services and lending products. For more information visit gkcu.org.