RALEIGH -- The State Employees Association of North Carolina announced today that it had distributed more than $22,000 in relief grants to 61 members and their families who suffered losses as a result of Hurricane Matthew’s landfall last fall.

The funds were raised solely from generous contributions from individual members, SEANC districts, and members of other locals of Service Employees International Union, SEANC’s national affiliate.

Members submitted an application for a grant from SEANC, then a committee of members evaluated each and distributed funds according to need. Awards ranged from $100-$500 each.

Recipients live in areas all over eastern North Carolina, including Wilson, Goldsboro, New Bern, Greenville, Kinston, Fayetteville and Lumberton.

“We are grateful to have generous members who are willing to help our brothers and sisters in this time of need,” said SEANC President Stanley Drewery, who resides in Eastern N.C. “Hurricane Matthew devastated much of the east, but it did not break our spirit.”