Food City’s retail supermarket chain annually recognizes outstanding volunteerism among their associates via their 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 are established to 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 level winners, followed by two divisional winners and finally the recipient of the highly esteemed Claude P. Varney Humanitarian Award.  

Laken Woods from the Food City in Johnson City, TN was selected as this year’s Claude P. Varney Humanitarian Award recipient.  Laken currently serves as a cashier for the Carroll Creek Crossing location.  At only 18 years of age, she has a heart of gold and has been volunteering for the past 3 years.  Laken serves as an EMT for Cleveland Life Saving Crew, where she devotes a total of 1,200 - 1,400 hours annually in service to her community.  She first became involved with the crew in 2017 because she was interested in pursuing a career in the medical field, specifically emergency medicine.  In 2018, the organization assisted Laken in enrolling into an EMT licensure program.  As a licensed EMT, Laken is responsible for assessing patient medical conditions in the field and determining their immediate medical needs.  She also assists with medication administration when necessary, treats immediate life-threatening injuries, and monitors vital signs while in route to the hospital.  Laken is also very active within her local church, Christ Fellowship of Kingsport, where she volunteers 200 hours annually.  She has a passion for helping children and assists with children’s church lessons and bible verses.     

“I love helping the sick and injured people of my community.  Being an EMT has truly taught me a lot about having a heart for medicine.  It influenced my decision to pursue a college degree in the medical field.  When I began working with children’s church, after getting to know the kids, my heart just swelled with love for them.  It’s so rewarding to be a part of their growth both mentally and physically.  This experience helped inspired me to seek a career in pediatrics and I am proud to work for a company that shares my dedication to helping others,” says Woods.

Laken received an honorary award and Food City will make a $1,250 contribution on her behalf to the charity of her 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 134 retail outlets throughout southeast Kentucky, southwest Virginia, east Tennessee, Chattanooga and north Georgia