Altria donates $50,000 to American Red Cross

Jan. 27--ALBANY -- The Southwest Georgia chapter of the American Red Cross received a $50,000 donation from Altria Group on Thursday to assist with disaster relief efforts following two devastating storms in the Albany area, including Sunday's deadly tornado.

Altria Group Inc. presented a $50,000 check to the Red Cross to support disaster relief following the recent tornado. The donation is expected to help the Red Cross provide food, emergency shelter, relief supplies and comfort to those affected by the disaster.

"I know the Red Cross will reach out and be there for folks," said Altria Client Services Vice President of State Government Affairs Henry Turner, who is a native of south Georgia.

The storm system that produced the tornado resulted in 15 deaths in Georgia, including four in Albany.

At the check presentation on Thursday was U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop, D-Albany, who made an attempt to represent the storm victims in his district while expressing gratitude for assistance.

"I just want to say thank you," he said. "Recovery is going to take time, and it certainly is going to take resources."

The presentation came a day after Federal Emergency Management Agency assistance was approved for Dougherty County, for which Bishop praised President Trump.

"That relief will be so meaningful," Bishop said. "In a month, (Southwest Georgia) has endured all Mother Nature has to offer. (Hopefully) we will see the best human nature has to offer."

Later in the day, Gov. Nathan Deal announced that FEMA aid would be coming to Dougherty County for the damage sustained on Sunday.

"This (donation) ensures volunteers have the resources they need to provide help," said Andy Brubaker, executive director of the Southwest Georgia Red Cross chapter.

In Georgia and Mississippi, Red Cross and community partners had served more than 10,500 meals and snacks and distributed more than 2,600 relief items as of Wednesday.

Stay Informed

Success! An email has been sent with a link to confirm list signup.

Error! There was an error processing your request.

Breaking News Alerts

Get Breaking News alerts from the Albany Herald delivered to your email.

Local Newsletter

Get the Local News headlines from the Albany Herald delivered daily to your email.

Sports Newsletter

Get the Sports headlines from the Albany Herald delivered daily to your email.

Manage your lists

___

(c)2017 The Albany Herald, Ga.

Visit The Albany Herald, Ga. at www.albanyherald.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.