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Downtown Company Makes a Difference
Sets an Example for Others to Follow
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE, August 13, 2007 — Ten years ago, Memphis Light Gas and Water started a tradition that gives
back to the Memphis community. Every year, they assist the Memphis chapter of
The Salvation Army by ringing bells downtown for the annual red kettle campaign.
Each November, MLGW employees take charge of one kettle for The Salvation Army. Employees begin ringing the bell
the week after Thanksgiving, and continue until the last Friday before
Christmas. MLGW volunteers ring at the Walgreen's on Main and Madison Monday
through Friday in three separate one hour shifts, beginning at 11 a.m. and
ending at 2 p.m. The public relations division oversees the kettle throughout
the campaign by organizing volunteers from within the company to ring the
bells. These employees manage the fundraising up until the very last day, when
they give all of the money they raise to back to The Salvation Army.
"Companies like MLGW really help us when they volunteer to take a whole day, or number of days," said Major Mark
Woodcock, area commander of The Salvation Army. "We don't have to worry about
finding other volunteers for that particular kettle because the company takes
care of that for us. Companies like MLGW that contribute every year are very
valuable to us, and we greatly appreciate them."
By helping to contribute to The Salvation Army's largest fundraiser of the year, MLGW's employees make it
possible for The Salvation Army to continue to run their shelters, daycare,
rehabilitation programs, food pantry and utility assistance programs. In turn,
they are setting an example downtown by being a company that strives to make a
difference in the Mid-South.
The volunteers from MLGW always look forward each year to kettle ringing. One of the traditions that they have
incorporated into this annual event is riding the trolley as a group to their
location.
"MLGW employees donate more than $1 million each year in time and money to
organizations such as The Salvation Army. We look forward to supporting The
Salvation Army again this year," said Glen Thomas, MLGW Corporate
Communications.
About The Salvation Army Memphis
The Salvation Army Memphis began its work in the city on
October 18, 1900. Since then, the organization has fought hunger, homelessness,
addiction, poverty, abuse, and suffering caused by disaster. At the center of
The Salvation Army's work in Memphis is a common belief that all people can make
positive changes. The Salvation Army believes in the healing power of
compassion, love, dignity and respect, and use these principles to guide our
actions and words.
The Salvation Army values the transforming power of God and
the salvation that comes from knowing Christ as our personal savior. And
believes that enduring change comes from holistic ministry to the mind, body and
spirit.
Every year, The Salvation Army Memphis helps more than
27,000 people, provides more than 60,000 nights of lodging, and serves more than
200,000 meals and snacks.
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CONTACT:
Abby More
Thompson & Berry PR
(901) 328-5233
Elizabeth Duncan
The Salvation Army
(901) 260 -9130
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