COOKEVILLE, Tenn. (May 6, 2011) — In the wake of recent tornado disasters across the South, the associates of Averitt Express recently made a $20,000 donation to the American Red Cross National Disaster Relief Fund.
The Red Cross is currently using the funds to provide food and shelter to people who were forced to flee their homes due to the weather-related disasters.
According to Averitt officials, the donation was made from funds collected through the company’s associate-giving organization, known as Averitt Cares for Kids. Averitt Cares for Kids is funded 100 percent by voluntary contributions from the company’s associates.
“We are saddened by the devastating loss of life and damage affecting our customers, friends and neighbors throughout the South. We hope our contribution to the Red Cross will help in the efforts to provide comfort and assistance to the communities we serve,” said Elise Leeson, spokesperson for Averitt Cares for Kids.
Averitt Cares for Kids was one of the first associate-supported charities of its kind when it was launched in 1986. It has made a difference in the lives of thousands of children. Since its creation, Averitt Cares for Kids has donated more than $5 million to charities, including St. Jude Childrens' Research Hospital, which named the organization as its Employee Giving Partner of the Year in 2010.
In addition to annual contributions to St. Jude’s hospital, Averitt Cares for Kids also makes periodic contributions in the event of large-scale national or regional disasters. For example, the organization has previously made special contributions immediately following 9/11, Hurricane Katrina and the Middle Tennessee floods of 2010.
As a company, Averitt has also provided transportation services for goods and materials being distributed to affected areas.
