ABINGDON, VA (WLAF) In the wake of the devastation caused by the recent tornado in Chattanooga and North Georgia, Food City is teaming up with local media partners WDEF-TV, WRCB-TV, WTVC-TV, KZ106, WBIR-TV and WCYB-TV to host a fundraising campaign to benefit relief efforts. 

Food City has pledged a $50,000 contribution to kick off the drive.  Several valued vendor partners are coming along-side to make contributions as well, including:  Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Frito-Lay, Chattanooga Bakery (Moon Pie), McKee Foods, Budweiser of Chattanooga, Budweiser of Cleveland and Cherokee Distributing.

“The lives of many of our friends and neighbors have been devastated by this tornado.  We certainly want to do everything possible to provide assistance during this critical time,” said Steven C. Smith, Food City president and chief executive officer.

The campaign will run from Fri., April 17 through Tues., April 21 in Tennessee, Virginia and Georgia area Food City locations.  Customers wishing to participate can make a monetary donation at the checkouts.  One hundred percent of the funds raised will remain local and be allocated to The Salvation Army of Greater Chattanooga to assist with the relief efforts.

“We greatly appreciate the tremendous support shown by our loyal customers, associates and business partners during past times of crisis.  Food City is making a $50,000 contribution to kick off the efforts and we would like to once again call upon your generosity and invite everyone to join us in providing aid to those in need,” said Smith.  “We would also like to express our deepest appreciation to our local media partners and our vendor partners for their support during this crucial initiative.” (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 04/17/2020-6AM)