Kerusso clothes hurricane victims

BERRYVILLE, Arkansas–Kerusso is donating a pallet of 800 new T-shirts to help victims of Hurricane Katrina, many whom lost every piece of clothing they own when they fled their homes.

“When we saw the incredible devastation, we knew we had to do what we could,” said Vic Kennett, president of Kerusso. “So many people only had the clothes they were wearing when they fled the coast. We hope these shirts will be a blessing to them.”

Kerusso’s donation was part of a larger relief effort coordinated by Shumaker Tire & Wheel of Golden, Mo., situated eight miles from Kerusso’s Berryville, Ark., headquarters.

During the week of Sept. 5-9, Shumaker’s set up four collection sites in Berryville, Ark., and Cassville, Golden and Shell Knob, Mo., for local citizens to drop of goods and money. In excess of $50,000 in food, water, blankets and emergency supplies was donated and transported via two 53-foot trailers to the Calvary Baptist Church in Laurel, Ms., for distribution to evacuees there. Another $5,000 in cash contributions was sent to St. Patrick Catholic Parish in Baton Rouge where a large number of families with infants are being housed.

Volunteers at clothing donation centers have expressed the need for new clothes whenever possible.

"We do not need any more used clothing, but please, if you can bring anything new, bring it," said volunteer Gabiela Calide. "What we really need is underwear, shirts, socks."

Kerusso’s T-shirts were a little piece of hope for evacuees, many who had been wearing the same clothing for days.

“Everybody that received those shirts was so impressed about getting a brand new T-shirt with a Christian message,” said Leslie Shumaker, one of Shumaker’s owners. “The evacuees still have dignity and getting something new rather than something old is such a morale booster.”

About Kerusso: Founded by president and CEO Vic Kennett in 1987, Kerusso utilizes state of the art design and manufacturing facilities in Northwest Arkansas. The company is the world’s leading designer and producer of Christian-themed apparel. Over the last 18 years, Kerusso has received numerous awards for their innovative and creative product designs. As the premier Christian apparel company, Kerusso continues to grow and expand. More information is available at Kerusso’s website - www.kerusso.com or by calling 800-424-0943.