WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., Sept. 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The BB&T Charitable Fund today announced grants totaling $1.5 million to help support disaster relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence. The American Red Cross and Samaritan's Purse will each receive $250,000, and $1 million will be distributed to a variety of local charities in the affected areas.

"The torrential rainfall and catastrophic flooding from Florence is creating hardships for so many in the affected areas," said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Kelly S. King. "Our hearts and prayers go out to all those who are struggling in the storm's aftermath. BB&T is honored to be a part of the relief and recovery efforts, and we're here for our associates, clients and communities in this difficult time."

While many branches have already reopened for business, some branches in eastern North Carolina remain closed as of Tuesday afternoon. Support teams are working diligently to reopen those branches where possible. The latest list of branch closings is available at BBT.com/Florence.

The online BB&T Branch and ATM Locator is available to find locations and phone numbers. Even if a branch is closed, many ATMs are operational provided there is power and connectivity available in the area. In the meantime, clients can be served through 800-BANK BBT (800-226-5228), BBT.com and our online and mobile banking platform U by BB&T. BB&T is also planning to deploy its disaster recovery vehicle with remote ATM capabilities to serve clients in the Wallace, North Carolina, area Tuesday evening.

In this difficult time, BB&T understands each situation is unique, and is standing by to help clients in the affected areas in a variety of ways:

• BB&T is suspending certain ATM service charges in North and South Carolina through Wednesday, Sept. 19. BB&T's charges related to the use of non-BB&T ATMs will be waived.
• BB&T credit card clients may request a 30-day deferral on payments due on their September or October statement (please note that interest will still accrue on the deferred payment). Consumer BankCard clients can get help at 800-476-4228 and Commercial and Small Business BankCard clients can get help at 800-397-1253. Certain credit card fees may also be refunded or waived for clients in affected areas.
• If clients are unable to make their normal payments or incur overdraft fees due to challenges caused by the storm, they are encouraged to contact their local BB&T banker to discuss payment extensions or fee waivers. Associates are ready to assist clients with these specific needs:
  • Personal Loans (auto, home equity, etc.): 800-222-1913
  • Mortgages: 800-827-3722
  • Dealer Finance: 800-727-8220
  • Other Questions and Concerns: 800-BANK BBT (800-226-5228)
• BB&T commercial clients who are unable to access a branch to make normal deposits and experience account analysis, maintenance fees or overdraft-related charges between Sept. 12-Sept. 21 are encouraged to contact their banker for assistance.
• For McGriff Insurance Services clients, offices will be open as soon as conditions permit to assist with claims, coverage and clean up questions. McGriff clients can also report claims to McGriff Insurance Services Claims Central at 800-990-4228 or ins-catclaims@McGriffInsurance.com.

About BB&T
BB&T is one of the largest financial services holding companies in the U.S. with $222.7 billion in assets and market capitalization of approximately $39.1 billion as of June 30, 2018. Building on a long tradition of excellence in community banking, BB&T offers a wide range of financial services including retail and commercial banking, investments, insurance, wealth management, asset management, mortgage, corporate banking, capital markets and specialized lending. Based in Winston-Salem, N.C., BB&T operates more than 1,900 financial centers in 15 states and Washington, D.C. and is consistently recognized for outstanding client service by Greenwich Associates for small business and middle market banking. More information about BB&T and its full line of products and services is available at BBT.com.

SOURCE BB&T Corporation