CAMP HILL, Pa. — The Rite Aid Foundation is lending a hand to those affected by last week’s severe flooding in South Carolina.

Rite Aid said Tuesday that the foundation is making a $25,000 donation to the Palmetto South Carolina Region chapter of the American Red Cross to help the victims, families and communities impacted by the flooding.

In the greater Columbia, S.C., area, which was hit hardest by the flooding, Rite Aid operates 20 stores. The drug chain has another 71 stores across South Carolina and about 1,300 employees in the state.

“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the historic floods,” Rite Aid president and CEO of stores Ken Martindale said in a statement. “It is one of Rite Aid’s core values to be a caring neighbor in the communities we serve, and we are proud to partner with the American Red Cross as relief efforts continue and rebuilding begins in South Carolina,” added Martindale, who’s also president of The Rite Aid Foundation.

Triggered by historic rainfall levels, the widespread flooding began on Oct. 2, forcing the closing of more than 300 roads and bridges — with a detour set up on Interstate 95 — and causing a number of dams to fail. Officials in Columbia are working to get the city’s drinking water system repaired after this weekend more than 300,000 people had to boil water before use. President Barack Obama has declared the region a federal disaster area. Published reports said about 20 people have drowned or died in wrecks due to the severe weather.

“The American Red Cross Palmetto South Carolina Region is so grateful for the generous donation from The Rite Aid Foundation as we work to provide emergency needs, quickly and efficiently, to the people who are in need,” stated Louise Welch, executive director of the American Red Cross Palmetto South Carolina Region. “The support of partners like Rite Aid is truly making a difference in communities across South Carolina.”