Food City launches multiple campaigns to help those in need (copy)
During the coming week, Food City will host multiple campaigns to help those in need.
Johnia Berry Toy Drive
Food City will once again host the annual Johnia Berry Toy Drive. This marks the 22nd year the retailer has hosted the memorial drive, which began in 2005.
“Johnia was extremely passionate about helping children and Food City is proud to be part of the annual Johnia Berry Toy Drive, which donates thousands of toys to needy children in our area each year,” said Steven C. Smith, Food City president and chief executive officer.
The drive kicked off on Nov. 5 and will continue through Dec. 3. Specially marked collection containers will be located at area Food City locations throughout the Tri-Cities. The toys are scheduled to be distributed on Monday, Dec. 7. Pharoah’s Car Club of Southwest Virginia has volunteered to assist with the toy pick-up and distribution.
The Berry Family have selected a number of local agencies to receive the toys, including Tri-State Children’s Home, Highlands Community Services – IDD Department, Safe Passage Women’s Shelter, Community Help Center of Northeast TN, Cumberland Mountain Community Services of Cedar Bluff, VA, HOPE Center of Greeneville, Tennessee, local schools in Virginia and Tennessee, and many others.
Friends & Pets in Need Holiday Food Drive
Food City has also just begun their ninth annual Friends & Pets in Need Holiday Food Drive.
“Hunger is a serious problem throughout our region, especially during the holidays and colder winter months. Food City is proud to host a number of hunger relief programs throughout the year, including our Friends & Pets in Need Holiday Food Drive. The drive will benefit local hunger relief organizations and animal shelters throughout our area at a critical time,” said Smith.
Continuing through Dec. 31, specially marked bags containing non-perishable food items, as well as bags containing pet food products will be available for purchase for only $15 (plus tax) at all area Food City locations. Customers wishing to purchase the bags may deposit them in the collection bins located at the front of the store. 100% of the products collected will benefit local hunger relief organizations and animal shelters throughout the region.
“Millions of Americans and animals need food assistance each year. The Food City Friends & Pets in Need Holiday Food Drive is another way we can help those in need right here in our own area,” said Misty Deskins, senior director of marketing for Food City.
“Food City’s ongoing hunger relief initiatives have been a tremendous success, and we are hoping to set a new record with this year’s drive to help our neighbors and furry friends in need,” said Smith. Last year’s drive raised over $424,000 to benefit local hunger relief organizations and animal shelters.
Race Against Hunger Campaign
Since 1992, Food City has been teaming up with their customers to host their annual Race Against Hunger campaign, which raises money for local hunger relief organizations.
This year’s program will continue through Nov. 30. Food City customers are invited to make a $1, $3, or $5 contribution as they checkout or round up their order total to the next dollar amount. Customers shopping online will also have the opportunity to make an online contribution. All the proceeds raised will benefit local hunger relief organizations. Approximately four meals are provided for every dollar donated.
“Millions of Americans need food assistance each year. Food City’s Race Against Hunger program is one way we can help those in need right here in our own community,” said Misty Deskins, Food City senior director of marketing.
“Thanks to the support of our loyal customers and associates, last year’s program raised over $541,000 and we hope to raise even more this year to benefit our friends and neighbors in need,” said Smith.
