Sep 14, 2017   SOURCE: BusinessWire

TEGNA Partners with The Salvation Army, United Van Lines, Mayflower and Pilot Flying J to Send Emergency Supplies in the Wake of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma

TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA) today announced an expansive hurricane relief initiative to support those in need of assistance following Hurricane Harvey in Texas and Hurricane Irma in Florida. Partnering with The Salvation Army, United Van Lines, Mayflower and Pilot Flying J, TEGNA and its partners will collect, transport, store and distribute supplies to those individuals and families affected by the storms.

Between Sept. 15th and 30th, thirteen TEGNA stations across the U.S. are organizing local supply collection events in their communities. Tractor-trailers provided by UniGroup, owner of United Van Lines and Mayflower Transit, will pick up donated supplies at these local events and depart for Houston, TX, and Florida, where they will be distributed to affected areas. Pilot Flying J, the largest operator of travel centers in North America, is donating fuel for the trucks. The Salvation Army is on the front lines to distribute essentials needed immediately for those still suffering and planning for long term recovery efforts.

“The support for Hurricane Harvey relief efforts from viewers in local communities has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Dave Lougee, president and chief operating officer of TEGNA. “I am incredibly proud of our efforts to raise more than $3,000,000 to benefit The American Red Cross Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund. We are now proud to partner with The Salvation Army, UniGroup and Pilot Flying J as we continue to serve communities in Texas and Florida and improve the lives of those in need.”

“Getting people back into their own homes, schools, and communities is a real measure of success after emergencies on the scale of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma,” said Major Kent Davis, area commander for The Salvation Army of Greater Houston. “We’re glad to have found creative partners in TEGNA, UniGroup and Pilot Flying J, in getting the right supplies to those impacted so they can return to a normal life as soon as possible.”

“Our entire organization has been inspired by all of the recovery efforts happening in Houston and in Florida,” said Casey Ellis, chief operating officer of United Van Lines and Mayflower Transit. “With our network of agents across the country we are pleased to be part of the team to deliver these supplies and help these communities in need.”

“Fueling these trucks’ journeys to deliver supplies to those in need is a privilege,” said Will Haslam, director of giving back, Pilot Flying J. “We have travel centers throughout Texas and Florida, and many of our guests’ and team members’ hometowns are among the cities impacted. We are honored to help by partnering with The Salvation Army, UniGroup and TEGNA.”

Participating stations will run promotions on-air and across digital platforms, providing information and details on local collection events. More information can be found at local station websites. Local market supply drives are being organized by TEGNA stations WXIA/WATL in Atlanta, GA; WGRZ in Buffalo, NY; WKYC in Cleveland; WFAA in Dallas, TX; WZZM in Grand Rapids, MI; WBIR in Knoxville, TN; WHAS in Louisville; WWL in New Orleans; WVEC in Norfolk, VA; KPNX in Phoenix, AZ; KXTV in Sacramento, CA; KENS in San Antonio, TX; KSDK in St. Louis, MO; and WUSA in Washington, DC.

About TEGNA

TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA) is an innovative media company that serves the greater good of our communities. With 46 television stations in 38 markets, TEGNA delivers relevant content and information to consumers across platforms. It is the largest owner of top 4 affiliates in the top 25 markets, reaching approximately one-third of all television households nationwide. Each month, TEGNA reaches 50 million adults on-air and 32 million across its digital platforms. TEGNA has been consistently honored with the industry’s top awards, including Edward R. Murrow, George Polk, Alfred I. DuPont and Emmy Awards. TEGNA deliver results for advertisers through unparalleled and innovative solutions including OTT local advertising network Premion, centralized marketing resource Hatch, and G/O Digital, a one-stop shop for local businesses to connect with consumers through digital marketing. Across platforms, TEGNA tells empowering stories, conducts impactful investigations and delivers innovative marketing solutions. For more information, visit www.TEGNA.com