MYRTLE BEACH, SC (December 26, 2024) — Wednesday afternoon, local American Red Cross of South Carolina volunteers from the Eastern SC Chapter responded to an apartment fire at Atlantic Sands motel at 308 2nd Ave. North in Myrtle Beach. At this time, the Red Cross has opened 11 cases and is helping 19 people by providing financial assistance for immediate needs such as food, clothing, and shelter, along with referrals to much-needed resources, such as health services, to replace medical items lost in the fire. 

This devastating event comes on the heels of multiple home and apartment fires throughout the Eastern part of the state. 

"Sadly, around this time of year, we tend to see a 30% uptick in home fires, and we've seen that unfortunately too much over the past five days across the PeeDee," said Kara Byrd, Executive Director of the Red Cross of South Carolina Eastern Chapter. "It's devastating because you think of the families uprooted during a time of year when they should be making happy memories. Our hearts are with those impacted, and we're going to be with them throughout their recovery."
 
In addition to immediate needs, Red Cross team members are providing mental and spiritual care assistance to anyone who may need it. The Red Cross will continue to stay in contact with its partners to see if any additional assistance is needed. 
 
DISASTER ACTION TEAM VOLUNTEERS NEEDED The American Red Cross of South Carolina needs the community's help to respond to our neighbors in need. More than 2,000 people volunteer with the Red Cross throughout the state. These volunteers answer the call in the middle of the night to comfort a family down the street impacted by a home fire. You can make a difference by turning tragedy into hope. Visit redcross.org/volunteer today to get started. 

HOW TO HELP Help people affected by disasters, like home fires, and countless other crises by making a gift to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small.  People can donate by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED-CROSS, or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. 

About the American Red Cross: 
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media. 

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