Food City’s retail supermarket chain annually recognizes outstanding volunteerism among their associates via the Claude P. Varney Volunteer Recognition Program.  The creation of the program came in response to President Bush’s call to boost volunteer efforts through corporate support.  During a June 2002 White House meeting, President Bush met with corporate leaders from organizations across the nation and key White House staff members to discuss objectives for his Businesses Strengthening America volunteerism campaign.  Steve Smith, Food City president and chief executive officer was among the select group.  
“As a company, we strive to maintain a high level of dedication to service, quality, value and community involvement, while providing a work environment that enables our associates to grow both personally and professionally as successful members of the team,” says Smith.  “Many of our associates volunteer their time and talents to numerous organizations in support of their communities and we felt it needful to formally recognize their selfless contributions.”
The program was entitled in memory of Food City’s beloved former president and board vice-chairman of 47 years, Claude P. Varney.  Varney was well-known for his tremendous compassion and humanitarian services.  Each year, committees review associate volunteer activities and select individual award recipients based on outstanding achievement in the areas of health, education, environment, cultural arts, recreational, heritage/history and public service.  One winner is selected from each Food City location and corporate level.  The field is then narrowed to eleven district winners, followed by two divisional winners.  Sunshine Svalina of Johnson City, TN and Angela Blevins of Glade Springs, VA received this year’s coveted divisional awards.  
Svalina,, who has been employed by the company for seven years, is currently serving as Video Helper at Food City #641, located on N. Roan Street in Johnson City, TN.  She devotes a great deal of time to the Johnson City Animal Shelter, where she has volunteered for the past 3 years, feeding, walking and playing with the animals, cleaning cages and assisting with adoptions.  Svalina also works with the Johnson City Medical Center as a Physical Therapist Volunteer, visiting with patients and assisting with treatments and evaluations and Remote Area Medical, assisting physicians with check-up and physical therapy.  She is an ETSU student tutor and Assistant Athletic Trainer for Science Hill High School, traveling to games and helping with athletic injuries and volunteers with various Food City events, including Food City Race Night and Halloween costume contests.  
“I am thankful for receiving such  a great reward,” said Svalina.  “I feel truly honored to be able to give back to my community, including donating the awarded money to Washington County/Johnson City Animal shelter. Nothing is more rewarding then being able to help the helpless. Thank you for allowing me to do that.”
A corporate luncheon was recently held to publicly recognize the winners for their outstanding service achievements.  They were presented with an honorary plaque and Food City will make a $500 contribution on their behalf to the charity of their choice.  
“We’re extremely proud of the difference our associates make by devoting their time and talents to the service of others.  Our company is committed to providing our associates the support they need to become the best corporate citizens possible,” summarized Smith.

… read the rest of the story by Subscribing now.

... read the rest of the story by Subscribing now.