Hurricane Helene devastated the southeastern part of the United States during late September 2024. With winds reaching up to 140 mph, the devastation caused approximately 231 fatalities, with $87.9 billion dollars in damage.
Coordinating with fellow grocery retailers in the impacted area, Jonathan Badger with Lee’s Marketplace, and members of the AFS executive team reached out to fellow retailer in the area, Food City (K-VA-T Food Stores), a privately held family and employee-owned supermarket chain headquartered in Abingdon, Virginia with 158 store locations. Kevin Stafford, Vice President of Marketing for Food City, helped to get AFS’ team in touch with a charity that was on the ground and helping impacted families.
Retailers Lee’s Market, Macey’s, Dan’s, Dick’s Market, Lin’s Market, Fresh Market, Peterson’s Market, D9 Grocery, Soelberg’s Market and the AFS team held a fundraiser through October for the United Way of Southwest Virginia to help with disaster recovery and basic-needs supplies. In total, donations from generous guests and team members totaled over $73,825.19.
“We are incredibly thankful to Associated Food Stores, D9, Lee’s Marketplace, Peterson’s Market, Soelberg’s Market and Associated Retail Operations for responding to the call for support for our neighbors who have experienced unimaginable loss throughout Southwest Virginia as a result of Hurricane Helene. These funds will allow United Way of Southwest Virginia to help families repair and rebuild their homes from the flooding over the next 24-36 months of long-term recovery,” said Executive Director of United Way of Southwest Virginia, Megan Parks.
Jonathan Badger feels independent grocers should band together whenever possible to help make our communities a better place to live. “The damage from Hurricane Helene was heartbreaking. I am so appreciative to all of the team members and store teams that worked together to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. When we work together, we can do great things.”