Fruit of the Loom donates items to Salvation Army

Fruit of the Loom, which is headquartered in Bowling Green, recently donated two trucks full of more than 73,000 basic apparel items valued at $100,000 to aid in the Louisiana flood recovery efforts in Baton Rouge and surrounding communities.

More than 55,000 packages of T-shirts, shorts and underwear were taken to the Louisiana Salvation Army.

“In times of adversity, we recognize the need to step in and help our neighbors as they recover from one of the worst floods our nation has seen in years,” Rick Medlin, president and chief executive officer of Fruit of the Loom, said in a news release. “While there is so much loss, we only hope that our donation can provide some relief as these victims overcome such tragedy. Our hearts go out to all of those suffering from this disaster.”

The Salvation Army appreciated the donation.

“In the face of devastation, we have found comfort in the widespread support coming from all over the country,” said Maj. Edward Binnix, incident commander for the Salvation Army South Louisiana Flood Event. “Fruit of the Loom’s donation is particularly special because these items are going to be used by people who have lost everything and need everything. All the way to their basic clothing. We’re beyond grateful for their generous donation.”

Binnix is a former commander of The Salvation Army in Bowling Green.

— The Salvation Army is still accepting donations. For more information, visit www.salvationarmyusa.org.

Averitt Express contributes to flood relief efforts

Through donations by the Averitt Cares for Kids charities program, truck drivers and other employees of Averitt Express recently contributed $25,000 to the American Red Cross National Disaster Relief Fund in wake of the flooding devastation in Louisiana.

The Cookeville, Tenn.-based company, which has a facility in Bowling Green, said the American Red Cross is using the funds to provide food and shelter to thousands who have been affected by the floods. Many residents have lost their homes and possessions because of the weather-related disasters.

Averitt officials said the donation was made from funds collected through the company’s employee-giving organization, known as Averitt Cares for Kids. Averitt Cares for Kids is funded 100 percent by voluntary contributions from the company’s employees.

“We are saddened by the devastating damage affecting our associates, customers, friends and neighbors in Baton Rouge and southeastern Louisiana. We hope our contribution to the Red Cross will help in the efforts to provide comfort and assistance to the communities we serve,” Barry Blakely, Averitt’s regional vice president for the area that includes Louisiana, said in a news release.