NASHVILLE, Tenn., Feb. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The AT&T Foundation, the corporate philanthropy organization of AT&T Inc. , today made a $60,000 contribution to support tornado-relief efforts across Tennessee. In further support of the victims of this disaster, AT&T is working with the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) to activate the Tennessee Emergency Donations and Volunteer Hotline, which will coordinate donated time, materials or money, as well as take and process non-emergency need requests from storm victims.
AT&T will provide $15,000 each to the Jackson Area, Nashville Area and Mid-South (Memphis) Red Cross chapters, $10,000 to the Williamson County Red Cross chapter and $5,000 to the Hardin County Red Cross chapter. The donations will go to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund to benefit the victims of the recent tornados and severe weather in Tennessee.
"Successfully managing a disaster response depends on establishing strong partnerships among groups at the federal, state, local and nongovernmental levels, such as the joint operation by TEMA and AT&T, to meet the needs of the victims of a disaster," said James Bassham, TEMA director. "Relationships such as this one with AT&T and others exemplify the best traditions of the Volunteer State."
"With its contribution today, AT&T continues to come through in times of need," said Wanda Stanfill, executive director, Jackson Area American Red Cross. "These storms have taken a terrible toll on our state, but with the strong support of folks across Tennessee, we will get through this disaster."
"On behalf of the thousands of AT&T employees who live and work in Tennessee, it is my honor to deliver these contributions and to aid disaster relief efforts in our state," said Gregg Morton, president of AT&T Tennessee. "To the families that have suffered during these storms, our hearts go out to you. To the communities that are recovering and rebuilding, AT&T is here to help Tennessee move forward."
The Tennessee Emergency Volunteer and Donations Hotline was established following the deadly tornadoes in 2006 that struck 15 counties and killed 35 people. The hotline is designed to help manage the large volume of calls that come into the State Emergency Operations Center during natural disasters and other emergencies. Non-emergency calls, pledges of support and volunteers and requests for unmet needs from disaster victims are directed to the hotline, where callers are put in contact with the appropriate entities. The hotline call center, located in an AT&T facility in Nashville, is staffed by AT&T volunteers and retirees.
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About Philanthropy at AT&T
AT&T Inc. is committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. Through its philanthropic initiatives and partnerships, AT&T supports projects that create learning opportunities; promote academic and economic achievement; and address community needs. In 2006, AT&T contributed more than $101 million through corporate-, employee- and AT&T Foundation-giving programs. AT&T and the AT&T Foundation, the corporate philanthropy organization of AT&T Inc., combine more than $1.8 billion of historic charitable commitment to communities across the country.
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates, AT&T operating companies, are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. Among their offerings are the world's most advanced IP-based business communications services and the nation's leading wireless, high speed Internet access and voice services. In domestic markets, AT&T is known for the directory publishing and advertising sales leadership of its Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations, and the AT&T brand is licensed to innovators in such fields as communications equipment. As part of its three-screen integration strategy, AT&T is expanding its TV entertainment offerings. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com/.
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