Publix, Harris Teeter Helping Flood and Tornado Victims

Publix Super Markets and Harris Teeter have both rolled out programs that enable their respective shoppers to offer tangible assistance to those affected by the devastating recent flooding and tornados in the Southeast.

Publix customers may donate at checkout to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund at Publix stores across Tennessee, and most of Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina. The customer donation program will continue for the next few weeks, according to customer response.

Also in aid of the victims, Nashville-area Publix stores are collecting nonperishable items for the Second Harvest Food Bank of Nashville. The grocer will distribute food bags to shelters servicing the affected areas. Publix is additionally coordinating efforts with Feed the Children for a donation of about $25,000 worth of shelf-stable products.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost loved ones, homes and personal belongings as a result of this disaster,” noted Publix media and community relations manager Brenda Reid. “We would also like to take a moment to recognize our associates who are working hard every day to make sure that their Publix is open and able to provide the products and services our customers need and want.”

All Publix stores are currently operational and serving their surrounding communities.

In a separate donation, Publix Super Markets Charities has given $100,000 to the American Red Cross for relief efforts in the affected areas.

Privately owned and operated by its 141,000 employees, Lakeland, Fla.-based Publix has 1,016 stores in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Tennessee.

Through May 31, all Harris Teeter stores in the Nashville area will sell $1 and $5 Flood Relief Fund Donation Cards, with all money raised going directly to the Middle Tennessee American Red Cross Chapter, The Matthews, N.C.-based grocer will also make a $10,000 donation to the effort. The dollars donated will provide relief supplies, shelter, meals and support for long-term reconstruction in affected areas.

“When disaster strikes, our customers and associates want to lend their support and make a difference,” said Harris Teeter president Fred Morganthall. “The Flood Relief Fund will be an easy way for customers to make a donation the next time they are in our stores.”

Flood Relief Fund donation cards have been placed at every cash register at participating Harris Teeter stores. At checkout, customers can pick up either the $1 or $5 card and inform the cashier they would like to make a donation. The card will then be scanned and added to the grocery total. There’s no limit on the number of card customers can purchase.

“A flood is a devastating disaster with long-lasting effects, so support from the community [and] from conscientious companies such as Harris Teeter and from the Red Cross, is vital to recovery efforts,” noted Susan Shreve, executive director of the American Red Cross in Williamson County, Tenn.

So far, Harris Teeter has donated over 31,000 gallons of water and 4,400 bags of ice to residents of the affected area.
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