Southport Cares provides update on fundraising efforts for mass shooting victims

SOUTHPORT, NC (WWAY) — Southport Cares is sharing an update on its ongoing efforts to support victims of the mass shooting at the American Fish Company in Southport.

In a message posted on Facebook, the nonprofit said it had initially planned to provide a final financial update at the end of November. However, additional donations and community fundraisers are still underway. The organization now expects to release a comprehensive financial update by the end of December.

Southport Cares also said it is working to send donation thank-you letters and tax receipts to individuals who contributed online, by check, or through identified cash donations. The organization noted that it has received hundreds of donations and, as a small charity, processing those acknowledgments is taking time. Leaders said they expect that process to be completed by the end of December.

In the coming weeks, Southport Cares plans to highlight community-led fundraising efforts that have helped raise money for victims and offer support during recovery.

Since the shooting, the organization has directed all donations to the victim assistance fund unless donors specified otherwise. Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, Southport Cares said general donations will again be directed to its general fund, which supports a range of people in need. Donors will still be able to specifically contribute to the mass shooting victim fund by selecting that option online or noting it in the memo line of a check.

Southport Cares said it remains in contact with the victims and continues to assess their needs. Several victims are still receiving medical care.