CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. — As the Clarksville community begins its recovery in the wake of a tornado that destroyed homes and property throughout the area on Feb. 24, Hankook Tire America Corp. is helping out with a $10,000 donation to the United Way of the Greater Clarksville Region.
"Helping the community in times of need is very important to us," Ilhwan Jeon, president of Hankook's Tennesse company, said. "Clarksville's residents have been an important part of our success, so our hope is to support them as they have supported us."
The donated funds, Hankook said, will be used by LifePoint Church to purchase Visa gift cards for those impacted by the tornado.
"It is in times of need that we discover the full impact of a community united," Ginna Holleman, CEO of United Way of the Greater Clarksville Region, said. "…Hankook Tire's incredible generosity will help mobilize vital assistance for families who have been affected by the tornado.
"On behalf of all we serve together, United Way thanks Hankook for reaching out a hand to offer help, and most importantly, being a driving force of hope."
Hankook, which opened a plant in Clarksville in October, previously worked through the United Way to support the community and offer helping hands to those facing tragedy around the nation.
The plant itself sustained minor damage to non-production areas, Hankook said, and there were no injuries reported. A number of employees' cars sustained damage, and this donation aims to help them and other community members recover from the storm.
In September, Hankook provided $10,000 to help the United Way fill a truck with supplies for those impacted by Hurricane Harvey.
The tire maker also partners with the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), providing support for mobile service stops throughout the country, which help connect veterans and their families to services they may need, but may have difficulty getting.