Jack Lathrop, customer service coordinator for the Deane Hill Food City in Knoxville, has won a divisional award in Food City’s annual Claude Varney program to recognize associates who volunteer in their community.
Over the past seven years, Lathrop has dedicated nearly 1,500 hours in service of his community. Jack has served as a volunteer with East Tennessee Children’s Hospital Fantasy of Trees for the past five years.
Jack Lathrop
He is a design team lead and sales team lead and is largely responsible for the sales floor plan and overseeing the sale of Christmas trees throughout the event. He gladly assists in other capacities as needed and has a vast knowledge and experience in most all of the areas of responsibility.
Jack is also very active in his local church, Ridgedale Baptist Church, where he has served as a volunteer for the past seven years. He is a team leader and as such, each week he leads a team of youth into the community to serve on various projects. They have assisted Lost Sheep Ministries, Ronald McDonald House, Meals on Wheels and Knoxville Area Rescue Ministries, as well as visiting church members who are homebound, assisting with general yard work and various other helpful projects within the community.
“I have always been a believer in the power of community service. I enjoy it immensely and make a point to get out into my community at least once a week to help. Community service is such a big part of my life and I absolutely love doing it and I am proud to work for a company that shares my passion for serving others,” he said.
David Osborne
David Osborne, store maintenance technician for the Food City in Marion, Virginia, received the other divisional award. He has served as a volunteer for Troutdale Fire and Rescue for the past 43 years and has also been a member of the Rugby Rescue for the last three years. David devotes 40 hours monthly, for a total of 480 hours annually to these two organizations. He became involved with the rescue teams to assist in rescuing lost individuals and help sick or injured friends and neighbors in need. David serves as a driver for both organizations and is also CPR certified.
Both winners received an honorary plaque and Food City will donate $750 on their behalf to the charity of their choice.
Steven C. Smith, Food City president and CEO, said, “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.”
Food City is hiring, needing to add 200-plus employees for our new store opening soon on Schaad Road in northwest Knox County. Apply or learn more at foodcitycareers.com.
Ad specials for today and Saturday (March 5-6) here: Food City_3.5 Knox ROP
Betsi James is special events manager for Food City’s Knoxville and Chattanooga divisions.