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.  The field is then narrowed to twelve district winners, followed by two divisional winners. 

Danny Bruce of the Volunteer Parkway Food City in Bristol, TN and Emily Parton, District Floral Supervisor for Food City received this year’s coveted divisional awards. 

Bruce, who served as Scanning Deputy for the Volunteer Parkway location in Bristol, TN, just retired from Food City with 29 years of loyal service.  He shares his time and talents to assist a number of organizations, including Wellmont Health System’s Kingsport and Bristol locations, where he has volunteered for more than 40 years.  Bruce holds chapel services twice a month and provides spiritual counseling for patients, as well as family and staff members.  He also serves as Chaplin, counselor and assists with patient services for the Mountain Home Veterans Medical Center, visiting with patients, family and community members and providing spiritual counseling and support.  Bruce is a 35 year volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America, serving as a troop Chaplain and Unit Commissioner, assisting scouts in achieving spiritual awards and ensuring scouting units are operating properly and meeting unit requirements.  He has also served as an area minister for more than 45 years, providing ministerial services, counseling and support for area churches and filling in for other ministers during their absence.  “ Even though I am busy, I am never too busy to help someone,” says Bruce.

Emily Parton has been employed with Food City for 7 years and currently serves as a District Floral Supervisor for the company’s corporate operations.  She donates a tremendous amount of time to the Gray Community Chest, assisting with numerous special events and activities for special needs children and adults, including their Fall Fling, Spring Gala, Christmas Party, Block Party, Golf Tournament, Challenger League, Christmas Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony.  Parton also serves as a volunteer for Appalachian Fair School Tours, preparing lunches, showing animals and serving as a tour guide for local second graders who attend the fair to learn more about the animals, safety and participate in fair activities.  She is a Tennessee Achieve Mentor, providing assistance and support to area children as they make the transition to college.  Parton is also active with her local chapter of the American Cancer Society, assisting with event fundraising, registration, check-out and silent auction activities.  And, she is a long-time volunteer with Sullivan Baptist Church, where she assists with Youth Group, Senior and children’s department events and activities.

“I am very honored and humbled to win the Claude Varney award. I love giving back to the community and helping others. There is nothing more rewarding than giving hope to someone that didn't have hope, making someone smile that thought they didn't have a reason to smile and encouraging someone to pay it forward. I don't volunteer to be recognized, I volunteer because I want to make a difference. I love the following quote by Ronald Reagan, because there is so much truth in it, ‘We can’t help everyone, BUT everyone can help someone’,” says Parton.

A special corporate luncheon was recently held to recognize the recipients for their outstanding service achievements.  They were presented with an honorary plaque and Food City will make a $500 contribution (in addition to the district level 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.

Headquartered in Abingdon, Virginia, K-VA-T Food Stores (Food City’s parent company) operates 133 retail outlets throughout southeast Kentucky, southwest Virginia, east Tennessee, Chattanooga and north Georgia.