NEF support needed in South Carolina

South Carolina residents are still battling the aftermath of a historic rainstorm that deluged the state, forced the evacuation of residents and crippled the highway system.

Qualified American Legion Family members and American Legion posts affected by the storm are eligible to apply for National Emergency Fund (NEF) grants for immediate financial relief.

“The people of South Carolina need us,” said American Legion National Commander Dale Barnett. “When I chose the National Emergency Fund to be my special fundraising project for my year as national commander, I did so precisely because of moments like this.”

The rainstorm is part of an unprecedented system that dumped more than a foot of rain across South Carolina and drenched several other states, according to The Associated Press. The 16.6 inches of rain that fell on Gills Creek near downtown Columbia on Sunday was the rainiest day in one single spot in the U.S. in more than 16 years, the AP reported.

“Today, it is severe flooding in the Palmetto State,” Barnett said. “Tomorrow it could be a tornado in the Midwest, a hurricane along the Gulf Coast or a wildfire in the West. Even though the rains in many areas of South Carolina have stopped, rivers might not crest for another couple of weeks and homes will continue to wash away.”

Barnett urged Legion Family members and others to consider a donation to NEF to assist victims of the South Carolina flooding and future natural disasters.

Since the NEF’s inception, more than $8.5 million has been provided in direct financial assistance to American Legion Family members and posts that have been affected by natural disasters. All contributions made to the NEF are deposited in a special account and used exclusively to meet urgent needs of Legion Family members. Not one donated dollar is used to fund administrative or fundraising costs.

You can donate here. To receive assistance through the NEF, call (800) 433-3318.