AUBURN HILLS, Mich., March 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Chrysler LLC and The Chrysler Foundation today announced plans to support the relief and recovery efforts of Atlanta residents resulting from a severe tornado that hit the downtown commercial district as well as several in-town, residential neighborhoods of the city on March 14. The company's philanthropic arm, The Chrysler Foundation, will donate $50,000 to Hands On Atlanta to support their relief efforts to aid victims of the recent tornado.
"The Chrysler Foundation is proud to partner with Hands on Atlanta to help the citizens of Atlanta recover from the devastating effects of the recent tornado," Frank Fountain, President - The Chrysler Foundation, said. "Our contribution will enable their volunteers to help repair and restore homes, parks and schools and improve the quality of life for those affected by the tornado."
Hands On Atlanta is currently coordinating more than 1,000 volunteers to help with heavy damage sustained by several Atlanta neighborhoods, including Vine City and Cabbagetown. Homes, schools and other structures in these communities were severely damaged and are in need of repair. In addition, fallen trees and heavy debris will be cleared from streets, yards and other public areas.
In the first moments after the storms, Atlanta's volunteer community mounted an aggressive response - clearing massive storm debris, covering damaged roofs and boarding up broken windows and doors.
"In the days and weeks ahead, the difficult work of rebuilding homes and communities will begin," Tracy Hoover, CEO - Hands On Atlanta, said. "This generous investment from The Chrysler Foundation will fuel the efforts of thousands of volunteers who will work with residents, community leaders and school administrators to rebuild and restore these historic Atlanta neighborhoods."
Hands On Atlanta
Hands On Atlanta is a non-profit organization that helps individuals, families and corporate and community groups find flexible volunteer opportunities at more than 400 service organizations and schools. Hands On Atlanta volunteers are at work every day of the year building community and meeting critical needs in schools, parks, senior homes, food banks, pet shelters and neighborhoods throughout Metro-Atlanta. Hands On Atlanta is an affiliate of the Points of Light & Hands On Network. Visit www.handsonatlanta.org.
The Chrysler Foundation
Now in its 55th year, The Chrysler Foundation is the primary source of charitable grants made by Chrysler. The Foundation annually supports hundreds of charitable organizations with an emphasis on community growth and enrichment, education, arts and culture, public policy, youth development and disaster relief programs throughout the United States and, increasingly, the world. The Foundation's Good Neighbor, Good Citizen(R) programs make a positive, lasting investment in local communities where our employees, customers and neighbors live. Visit www.thechryslerfoundation.com
About Chrysler LLC
Chrysler LLC, headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., produces Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Mopar(R) brand vehicles and products. Its product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300, Jeep Wrangler and Dodge Charger. The Company sells and services vehicles in more than 125 countries around the world. The operations outside North America have been experiencing year-over-year sales increases since 2004, with a record number of vehicles sold in 2007. Chrysler is a unit of Cerberus Capital Management.