The Red Cross of South Carolina is proud to serve the communities of Florence and the surrounding areas and have done so for nearly a century. That work to better South Carolina communities will continue.

The organization is excited that our operations will be moving to a co-located building with the United Way of Florence County. The organization has sold the previous building, located along West Lucas Street, as part of a strategic real estate plan to streamline all operations. The goal is to provide the best possible work environment for our team, ensure the best use of the donor dollars, reduce the costs and to allow us to put money back into the mission.

We are grateful to the Drs. Bruce and Lee Foundation who so generously donated that building many years ago. It helped establish a foundation of service that the organization will build upon in the future.

The United Way of Florence County has been a wonderful partner to the American Red Cross of Eastern South Carolina for over 65 years. Although a partnership has long been established within the two organizations through funding, a new partnership is being formed as both organizations share one location. As we work together to better individuals in our area, this move will allow individuals in our community to gain multiple resources in one place through all 22 partner agencies United Way funds, as well as direct services from the American Red Cross.

“We are excited to welcome the American Red Cross into our building along West Palmetto Street. This is part of a continued desire to provide cooperation and cohesiveness within the Florence County non-profit community and help create greater accessibility to resources for individuals in need,” said Kevin Russell, President of United Way of Florence County.

The mission of the American Red Cross has not changed. We are dedicated to the people of South Carolina – including the Florence area − and stand ready to provide assistance when needed through our Humanitarian Services and Blood Services operations.

“The American Red Cross is proud to remain right here in Florence as we continue to deliver our mission to those that need us most,” said Amy Brauner, the Executive Director for the Eastern SC Chapter. “From collecting life-saving blood, supporting families after homes fires, opening shelters during storms, helping our military connect with their families, or teaching life-saving training, this strengthened partnership will better the communities in Florence.

About the United Way of Florence County:

The United Way of Florence County is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit that has been a cornerstone of the social service sector in Florence County for over 65 years. Our mission is to positively impact the needs of our community by strengthening relationships, programs, and services that produce measurable results and improve the quality of life and to be recognized as the leading health and human services support agency in the Pee Dee through resource development and community impact initiatives. For more information, please visit www.uwflorence.org or call us at 843-662-2407.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.