WAGA Partnering To Aid Tornado Victims

Fox O&O WAGA Atlanta (DMA 8), Publix Super Markets and the American Red Cross are once again partnering through CareForce, a community service campaign dedicated to aiding victims of natural disasters, to help raise money for those whose lives were devastated by the recent storms in Georgia. Through CareForce, WAGA provides an easy way for local Georgians to assist their neighbors who have an urgent need for food, water and shelter. The station is running PSA’s encouraging viewers to make cash donations at Publix registers, which will be donated to the American Red Cross relief effort.

In making the announcement, WAGA Vice President-GM Bill Schneider stated: “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of these tornadoes. We hope CareForce will provide our viewers with a means to help those Georgians whose lives were affected by these tragedies.”

CareForce was created in 2000 by WAGA as a way to raise funds for victims of catastrophic events.  In 2009, the program collected more than $173,000 for victims of Georgia’s September floods. In 2006, the station was given the “Circle of Humanitarian Award” by the American Red Cross. This is the highest honor given by the American Red Cross to financial donors during times of disaster.

“Thanks to our Publix customers throughout the southeast and Fox 5 viewers for their generous contributions for the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund,” said Brenda Reid, media and community relations manager, Publix Super Markets. “These funds have been earmarked for the southern storm-ridden areas. More than $200,000 has been collected at Publix so far. As a result, thousands of people are getting the help they need today and will continue to get support during the coming months.”