Birmingham, Alabama-based Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Inc. (UNITED), among the largest bottlers and distributors of Coke products in the U.S., recently partnered with the corporate team building company Cheeriodicals to assemble and deliver care packages to Veteran Affairs (VA) facilities in Birmingham; Atlanta, Georgia; Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Chattanooga, Tennessee.
More than 300 Coca-Cola UNITED associates gathered to assemble 600 care packages,150 in each location, including a blanket, beverage tumbler, U.S. Veterans Magazine and activities, and several other convenience items. Associates also penned notes to veteran recipients, thanking them for their bravery and service. “We were proud to team up with Cheeriodicals to assemble care packages for our veterans,” said Alan Lincoln, a Coca-Cola UNITED Sales Center Manager based in Birmingham. “This partnership allows us to bring our team together with the shared purpose of recognizing our veterans. Our hope is that each veteran receives a little joy from our visit and each care package.”
Cheeriodicals CEO Gary Parisher shared, “We partner with large corporations across North America to assemble care packages to deliver to local charities or hospitals. We shipped materials and bags for veterans to Coca-Cola UNITED, and a team of about 75-80 employees at each location enthusiastically packed the care packages and wrote personal notes to each veteran.” During the delivery of the care packages at the VA facility, veterans were greeted by Coca-Cola UNITED associates and a very special guest—the Coca-Cola Polar Bear.
Gordon Lance, an Army veteran in Chattanooga, said, “I got my picture made with the Coca-Cola bear, and everything looks great. I appreciate the thought that they took into doing this for us.”
In addition to honoring veterans in its communities, Coca-Cola UNITED proudly recognized the more than 700 veterans who work for the company with a customized appreciation gift and commemorative challenge coin to honor their service and selflessness.
Explore articles for the Veteran Community here.
