AutoZone Helps Turn Christmas Wishes into Realities for Hundreds of Angels

MEMPHIS, Tennessee, December, 2008 - With the economic downturn casting a dark cloud, many have resorted to pinching pennies this Christmas season. However, AutoZone’s involvement with The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree is still as generous as ever.

For nearly a decade, AutoZone and their employees, called AutoZoners, have helped spread Christmas cheer to thousands of less fortunate children and seniors throughout the Mid-South.

“We pride ourselves on being a civic minded company, but our AutoZoners power our participation,” said Trina Poquette, director of communications and community relations. “This year was phenomenal. We began distributing angels on November 12, and within a week, all 275 had been adopted. I cannot remember such an eager and immediate reaction.”

About 300 AutoZoners participated with The Salvation Army Angel Tree this season.

AutoZone motivates employees to participate with the program by making it a fun and festive event. After much preparation work, the company’s community relations department and other volunteers hang the angels from Christmas trees on eight floors of the AutoZone downtown headquarters, known as the Store Support Center. AutoZoners who want to participate and buy presents can then select any angel from one of the trees. “Reminder to Adopt” emails were not even necessary this year, as all the angels were quickly snagged.

“We greatly appreciate AutoZone and their commitment to The Salvation Army and particularly to our Angel Tree program,” said Major Mark, Area Commander of The Salvation Army. “Their generosity helps hundreds in need. Without their selfless support, we would be hard-pressed to provide presents to all of these children and seniors.”

AutoZone provides financial underwriting for the Angel Tree program.

About The Salvation Army
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. The Salvation Army believes that enduring change comes from holistic ministry to the mind, body and spirit.

In 2007, The Salvation Army Memphis helped more than 17,855 people, provided more than 65,000 nights of lodging, and served 208,251 meals and snacks. For more information on our work, visit www.salvationarmymemphis.org.

CONTACT:
Abby Turner
Thompson & Berry PR
(901) 328-5233

Elizabeth Duncan
The Salvation Army
(901) 260 -9130