• Donald Felice

The Salvation Army Aids First Responders in Conway SC

CONWAY, SC (September 17, 2018) - Conway, S.C. sits just inland from Myrtle Beach, which is located at the heart of South Carolina's Grand Strand coast. The area is a haven for millions of residents and vacationers that enjoy the wide beaches, sunny days and warm weather in abundance. It was one of those beautiful South Carolina days, the day before Hurricane Florence hit. And if you were not listening to weather reports, you would have been without a clue to the destruction headed toward you.                         

But many people were watching and preparing for the inevitable. They knew what was ahead – and they were trained, experienced and ready for what was coming ashore. These were the first responders; a collective group of local heroes who put their lives on the line every day to protect our local communities and help keep them safe from harm.

Four days after landfall, Florence was still lingering over South Carolina.  And the first responders of Conway, S.C were still in action. “Last night was a tough night,” says Captain Robert Rudelitch of the Finklea Fire Department Station 9, “The whole night was spent doing water rescues; people stranded in homes and cars.”

People rescued by the Horry County first responders stayed in area shelters, and at the Finklea and Loris, S.C. fire stations. “Thirty people spent the night at the Finklea station last night,” added Rudelich. The Salvation Army provided meals and hydration for those rescued and the responders, as well.

It’s now the fifth day after Hurricane Florence hit, and the sun is coming back out in South Carolina, attempting to dry those wide sandy Myrtle Beach vacation spots. But like a bad second verse, danger lurks unsuspectingly just days ahead as the torrents of water Florence dumped on the North Carolina watershed make their way downstream to Conway and Myrtle Beach. Another storm is coming in the form of flood waters.

The first responders will be there ready to take action. And right along with them will be The Salvation Army.

“When disaster strikes, The Salvation Army stands ready to support and serve those impacted by disaster and those first responders on the front lines,” says Jerry Williams, Director of Community Relations for The Salvation Army of Conway, and the Incident Commander for The Salvation Army’s disaster response for Horry County and Conway S.C.

“Every day, first responders put their own lives on the line to ensure our safety. The least we can do is make sure they have a good meal and something to drink,” says Williams.

And he knows what he is talking. Williams is also a former Captain for the Horry County Fire Department and a former Emergency Management Director for Horry County.

How to Help
The best way to help after a disaster is to make a financial donation. Monetary donations allow disaster responders to immediately meet the specific needs of disaster survivors as the situation continues to be assessed. 

Online: helpsalvationarmy.org

Donate by phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY

Mail checks to: The Salvation Army, P.O. BOX 1959, Atlanta, GA 30301

Please designate '2018 Hurricane Season - Florence' on all checks.

To receive a donation link via text: Text STORM to 51555

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