MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WCBD) - The reward for a missing Myrtle Beach woman has been increased by her father, who says his family has "suffered long enough" since the woman's disappearance just over a month ago.

Terry Elvis, the father of Heather Elvis, age 20, had already chipped in $10,000 of his own money to the reward.

Now, he says he is adding $5,000 more to up the reward to $30,000.

He also said on Facebook that he is convinced folks in the community know more than they have told authorities about his daughter, who was last seen on Dec. 17.

"Someone knows something, at some point soon I am may have to switch this from reward to BOUNTY for those who may be proven responsible, if you know something the time to step up is now," Elvis wrote on the FindHeatherElvis Facebook page.

"My family has suffered long enough and answers are needed."

In fact, the family has said that their Christmas tree is still up and Heather's presents are wrapped underneath the tree, awaiting her return.

Her locked car was found late Dec. 19 and searches began immediately at the Peachtree Landing along the Waccamaw River.

Last Wednesday, her family was thankful for the help they've received the last 4 weeks.

"To those of you who have been amazingly supportive with your kind words, thoughts, prayers, well-wishes, volunteering, donations, passing out of flyers, food, advertising on billboards or anything that I've missed, thank you," the family wrote on Facebook.

"Thank you for writing to the different media outlets. Thank you for passing the word along of Heather's disappearance. We cannot begin to tell you how important your part has been through this journey with us. We appreciate you more than you know... and we don't get to tell you that enough."

The FindHeatherElvis Facebook page was started just as search efforts began for Heather and it's now up to 40,000 followers -- an additional 5,000 in just 5 days.

The case has gotten national attention, with a segment on the Nancy Grace show on Headline News.

Several electronic billboards were active along the Grand Strand with Heather's image and reward info. Billboards for Heather are also across the Carolinas, Indiana, Pennsylvania and Ohio

Source: http://www.counton2.com/story/24499172/w

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