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Fundraising has been hampered by many things in the past year due to economic instability, threats and impacts from hurricanes and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many charitable organizations are relying on direct contributions to fund projects that continue regardless of weather or health issues in the communities they serve.

For two local groups, funding comes at a time when need in the community is high.

In an announcement made Monday, Gulf Winds Credit Union is making financial donations to Escambia County Habitat for Humanity and Drexell and Honeybees in Brewton. The Credit Union is also making contributions to the Council on Aging of West Florida’s Meals on Wheels program, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida and to Atmore Lions Club in Atmore.

Gulf Winds’ CEO and President Chris Rutledge said Hurricane Sally created many issues along the gulf coast and the efforts for recovery are worthy of assistance.

“Hurricane Sally delivered a tough and unexpected blow to our community,” Rutledge said. “We are committed to assisting our members through recovery and supporting our nonprofit partners and the people they serve.”

Escambia County habitat for Humanity Executive Director Shae Hines said the $3,000 gift would help keep projects moving for the organization by providing funding aimed at helping residents who suffered structural damage in the storm.

“We are so grateful for Gulf Winds Credit Union’s commitment to our community during tough times,” Hines said. “This gift will help Brewton residents remove debris and mitigate and remediate roof damage. We are so thankful for the partnership.”

Drexell and Honeybees of Brewton will receive a $2,000 donation for help in recovery following the storm. The donations-only restaurant suffered flood damage as a result of Sally and the funds will be put to use in replace refrigerators lost in the flood.

Gulf Winds Credit Union stands with the communities we serve in the aftermath of Hurricane Sally. Guided by the credit union philosophy of People Helping People, Gulf Winds has committed $25,000 through the Gulf Winds Cares program to support five nonprofit organizations providing hurricane relief.