May 20, 2020
Cherokee Distributing Company and Food City have teamed up to provide relief to those affected by the tornadoes that struck the Chattanooga area on Easter Sunday with a joint donation of $10,000 to The Salvation Army of Greater Chattanooga.
Cherokee Distributing Company and Food City present a check for $10,000 to The Salvation Army of Chattanooga. The companies teamed up to make the donation following the recent tornadoes that devastated the Chattanooga community. Pictured from left from Cherokee Distributing Company: Randy Saunders, chain manager in Chattanooga; Rob Sampson, vice president of national accounts; and John Papas, general manager in Chattanooga; and Major Mark Smith, area commander of The Salvation Army of Greater Chattanooga; and Rick Bishop, executive vice president of operations for Food City.
“Natural disasters can change people’s lives overnight,” said John Papas, general manager of Cherokee Distributing Company Chattanooga operations. “East Tennessee always comes together to support those in need, and we welcomed the opportunity to partner with our friends at Food City to make a difference.”
The donation, announced May 6, will bring relief services in the aftermath of the tornadoes.
The National Weather Service confirmed that at least one EF-3 tornado with speeds reaching 145 mph tore across nine miles of Southeast Tennessee on April 12. Thunderstorms, hail and high winds also caused flooding, damage and power outages.
“The Chattanooga community is strong and will rebuild,” said Rick Bishop, executive vice president of operations for Food City. “We are fortunate to have agencies like The Salvation Army on the ground to bring direct relief to those in need.”
The Salvation Army of Chattanooga immediately deployed its team after the tornadoes touched down, supplying blankets and emotional and spiritual care. The Salvation Army has continued to provide food, shelter, clothing and comfort to those impacted.
“We are grateful to Cherokee Distributing Company and Food City for being so quick to support our relief efforts,” said Major Mark Smith, area commander of The Salvation Army of Greater Chattanooga. “This donation will help us be there for the victims from the moment disaster strikes until they no longer need us.”
To learn more about The Salvation Army of Greater Chattanooga and tornado relief efforts, visit www.csarmy.org. For more information about Cherokee Distributing Company and Food City, go to www.cherokeedistributing.com and www.foodcity.com.
