Fundraising efforts continue to help victims of the April 25 tornadoes that struck Beaufort County. Sunday, local musician Don Cox is hosting a flounder plate lunch/dinner at the Washington Civic Center beginning at 11:30 a.m.

Cox is charging $8 per plate, which is going to the donation fund, and it will be a drive or boat up purchase. He is also inviting people to come inside to listen to live music played by Cox and other local musicians.

Cox waited to help his neighbors in Beaufort County because he thought financially the federal, state and local governments would help more than they did he said.

“I was confident FEMA would kick in some money because it looked like a major disaster,” Cox said. “We’re looking at devastation that is going to be here for the rest of our lives.”

Cox is taking donations to help those who have contacted the Beaufort County Department of Social Services for assistance.

“We have had people contacting us that are afraid their children are going to be taken away from them,” Cox said. “That is one of the things that has sparked an interest in this.”

Cox said before he began investigating the claims, the individuals had to sign a waiver with the Department Social Service to release the information to him.

“We’re going to see what kind of conditions these people are in,” Cox said. “We are going to donate to the most serious situation.”

One of the other fundraising opportunities is an auction starting at 3:30 p.m., that features summer type items from stores in Washington.

June 30, Zaxby’s in Washington is going to lend a hand as well, as the restaurant will donate all of the money it makes in sales from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. that day, Terrance Copper will be in attendance at Zaxy’s during that time to sign autographs.

Donations are also being accepted. For more information Lee Cherry at 252-945-6569.