In the wake of recent flood disaster in Louisiana, truck drivers and other employees of Averitt Express recently made a $25,000 donation to the American Red Cross National Disaster Relief Fund.
The Red Cross uses the funds to provide food and shelter to thousands who have been affected by the floods, many of whom have lost their homes and possessions due to the weather-related disasters.
According to Averitt officials, the donation was made from funds collected through the company’s employee-giving organization, known as Averitt Cares for Kids, which is funded by voluntary contributions by employees.
“We are saddened by the devastating damage affecting our associates, customers, friends and neighbors in Baton Rouge and southeastern Louisiana,” said Barry Blakely, Averitt’s regional vice president for the area that includes Louisiana. “We hope our contribution to the Red Cross will help in the efforts to provide comfort and assistance to the communities we serve.”
Averitt Cares for Kids was was launched in 1986. Since its creation, Averitt Cares for Kids has donated nearly $8 million to charities, including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
In addition to annual contributions to St. Jude’s, Averitt Cares for Kids also makes periodic contributions in the event of large-scale national or regional disasters. The organization made special contributions following the attacks of 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina.
Averitt has also provided transportation services for goods and materials being distributed to affected areas.
Love’s Travel Stops recently donated $25,000 to the relief efforts of the Salvation Army in Louisiana.
