BI-LO CHARITIES PRESENTS 22ND ANNUAL RED CROSS CHRISTMAS DINNER IN GRAND STRAND AREA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Elizabeth J. Baker
Erwin-Penland
864-672-3875
elizabeth.baker@erwinpenland.com
BI-LO CHARITIES PRESENTS 22ND ANNUAL RED CROSS CHRISTMAS DINNER
BI-LO Charities Donates $5,000 in Gift Cards, Helping Annual Christmas Dinner
Provide for More Than 4,500 in Grand Strand Community
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (Dec. 21, 2010) – For the third consecutive year, BI-LO Charities is sponsoring the American Red Cross Christmas Dinner, which has grown to serve more than 4,500 free meals each year to individuals in need of food and camaraderie on Christmas Day in the Grand Strand area.
The 22nd Annual American Red Cross Christmas Dinner will be served Christmas Day at the following times and locations:
1 – 4 p.m., at St. John’s Greek Orthodox Church, 3301 Highway 17 Bypass, Myrtle Beach, S.C.
1 – 3 p.m., at Risen Christ Lutheran Church, 10595 Highway 17 N., Myrtle Beach, S.C.
1 – 3 p.m., at Belin United Methodist Church, 4183 Highway 17 S., Murrells Inlet, S.C.
Noon – 2 p.m., at Trinity United Methodist Church, 205 S. Rosemary Ave., Andrews, S.C.
In addition, homebound individuals have the opportunity to have a meal delivered to their homes by calling the Myrtle Beach Red Cross office at 843-477-0020 or the Georgetown Red Cross office at 843-546-5422.
While the Red Cross Christmas Dinner has been occurring for more than two decades, BI-LO Charities became involved three years ago when the economy took a turn for the worse and additional funding was necessary to meet the needs of the Grand Strand community. With hunger relief being one of BI-LO Charities’ three key focus areas, it was only natural for BI-LO Charities to become part of this event that brings not only a hot meal but also companionship to thousands of people on Christmas Day.
“BI-LO Charities is an invaluable partner of the Red Cross and our annual Christmas dinner,” said Coastal South Carolina Chapter of American Red Cross CEO Angela Nicholas. “Our relationship began a few years ago when the economy took a bad turn, and BI-LO Charities stepped up to the plate and provided thousands of dollars in gift cards. The donation made by BI-LO Charities each year allows us to purchase the food we need to feed those in need of nourishment and fellowship on Christmas Day, and we are very thankful for their continued support.”
In addition to BI-LO Charities providing $5,000 in gift cards, BI-LO also provides free delivery of product to the Red Cross’s warehouse and even lets them borrow a refrigerator truck to keep certain products cold until it is time for the meals to be prepared.
“The Red Cross is a great asset to the Grand Strand and BI-LO Charities is honored to be part of an event that provides a Holiday meal and companionship for so many,” said BI-LO Charities Executive Director Carol Browning.
About the BI-LO Charity Classic
The BI-LO Charity Classic began in 1983 as a fundraiser for Meals on Wheels of Greenville. During the past 27 years the tournament has raised more than $53 million to support hundreds of charities throughout BI-LO’s four-state operating area of South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia. Funds from the Charity Classic go toward supporting organizations that focus on BI-LO Charities’ key initiatives, including education, children’s needs and hunger relief.
# # #