RIEGELWOOD, N.C. -- The $66 million Riegelwood Federal Credit Union continues to be a major player here in helping victims recover from a Nov. 16 tornado by raising $37,000 in disaster relief as well as contributing to the cleanup effort.
The twister killed eight people, left scores injured and carved a mile-long path of destruction through this southern North Carolina community.
Two of the eight killed were members of the CU, which has a base of 7,000 and is located a mile from the tornado site. Following the tornado, which destroyed or damaged dozens of homes, the CU set up its disaster relief fund that is now part of a countywide relief effort raising $200,000 from individuals and businesses across the U.S. The CU has also collected food and other items to assist people affected by the twister.
A committee set up by the Riegelwood Baptist Church will disburse proceeds from the CU's disaster fund. "It will be a while before we know what the needs will be financially," said Elaine Williams, director of marketing, noting that "some people will be getting insurance settlements and other forms of disaster assistance."
Meanwhile, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation has activated its Disaster Relief Fund and is accepting donations.
