Southwire’s Project GIFT Lends a Hand in Wake of Recent Storms

Mar 23, 2018

Severe storms that included tornadoes and large hail ripped through the northern and eastern parts of Alabama earlier this week, leaving behind damage to the east Alabama area. Southwire’s Project GIFT®, in partnership with its suppliers, donated time and supplies to assist with the clean-up efforts in Calhoun County.

“Many of our employees, their families and their friends were affected by these storms, and we stand ready to support these communities as relief efforts begin,” said Kristian Crowe Whittington, Southwire’s manager of employee engagement and communication and Project GIFT coordinator. “Project GIFT began as an outlet to serve those suffering in the wake of disaster, and we continue to focus our efforts in that same spirit of giving back.”

As relief efforts begin, the city of Jacksonville, Ala. declared a Community Clean-up Event on the weekend of March 23-25. In preparation, Southwire connected with the Calhoun County EMA to donate much needed supplies. In partnership with Vallen, Motion and New Leaf Marketing, the company delivered more than $20,000 worth of items including chainsaws, safety equipment and other clean-up supplies.

“We are incredibly fortunate for the relationships we have with companies who share Southwire’s strong spirit of giving,” said Whittington. “Our hope is that these collective donations will provide at least a small amount of relief in the midst of this devastation.”

Southwire also extended the opportunity for a group of Project GIFT volunteers to participate in the Jacksonville relief efforts on Friday. More than 25 Southwire employees from Carrollton, Ga. and Heflin, Ala. participated in the clean-up, assisting those whose homes were affected by the storms.

“This was my first opportunity to volunteer with Project GIFT, and it has been incredible,” said Sheena Jeannot, Southwire accounts payable analyst. “To see the unity of Southwire coming together to help others is truly awesome.”

Southwire Company, LLC (Southwire) is one of North America’s largest wire and cable producers. Southwire and its subsidiaries manufacture building wire and cable, utility products, metal-clad cable, portable and electronic cord products, OEM wire products and engineered products. In addition, Southwire supplies assembled products, contractor equipment and hand tools. The company maintains a strong commitment to sustainability, specifically in the realm of Giving Back.

Project GIFT, Southwire’s non-profit, volunteer organization, was founded in 2005 in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Ten volunteers traveled to Waveland, Miss. to assist with Christmas on the Coast, providing needed supplies and holiday gifts to affected families. Since that time, the organization has grown to now more than 900 volunteers.

For more information on Project GIFT and these relief efforts, e-mail project.gift@southwire.com.