AT&T makes $15,000 donation to American Red Cross

ALBANY — A contribution was made by AT&T earlier this week to the American Red Cross of Southwest Georgia in support of disaster relief.

AT&T presented a $15,000 check to the Red Cross to support disaster relief following severe weather that hit in the area in January and swept through the southern United States.

Officials said the contribution is meant to help the Red Cross provide food, relief supplies and comfort to those affected by disasters. It also came at around the same time that another severe weather system impacted the Albany area.

“Much like the men and women of AT&T are tireless in their efforts to serve the communities where they work and live, the American Red Cross was quickly on the ground in the impacted areas, and we are proud to stand with them as we respond to these tornadoes and restore communities across South Georgia,” said Bill Leahy, president of AT&T Georgia.

Reports indicate more than 3,700 homes were affected across Mississippi, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana and Florida during the January storms, during which more than 145 people in Georgia and Mississippi sought refuge in Red Cross and community shelters.

During that time in Georgia and Mississippi, Red Cross and community partners served more than 80,000 meals and snacks and distributed in excess of 28,000 relief items, officials said.

“The generosity of companies like AT&T, especially during the height of winter storm season, is of tremendous help to the American Red Cross,” said Andy Brubaker, executive director for the American Red Cross of Southwest Georgia. “We are stretched thin this time of year as we continue our work to provide victims of the storms and local disasters with emergency food, clothing, shelter and other necessities.”

Each year, the Red Cross responds to nearly 64,000 disasters across the country, including home fires, hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes and wildfires.