07 May Teaming Up to Help in Times of Disaster

On May 1, Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee’s Goodwill Cares program once again activated its disaster partnership with the Nashville Area Chapter of the American Red Cross. A tornado swept through the area on April 28, destroying dozens of homes in Lincoln County.

Goodwill set up a donation trailer in the parking lot of the Piggly Wiggly on Huntsville Highway in Fayetteville, and the community responded. In just four days, more than 260 people dropped off donations at the site. In exchange for the donations, Goodwill provided the Red Cross with more than 80 Goodwill Cares gift cards which were given to their clients. “So many Lincoln County families lost everything that day,” said Natisha Moultry, community relations manager for Goodwill. “These Goodwill Cares gift cards will allow them to purchase the items they really need right now.”

Disasters create a wide range of emergency needs, more than any one organization can meet. The partnership, which was formed in April 2013, allows both organizations to better serve the community during a crisis. Moultry said, “When we work together, we can truly make a difference in the communities we serve.”