Posted: Wednesday, April 15, 2009 3:02 pm

– As the community begins to shift its focus from emergency aid to long term recovery, United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties is reaching out to the community for assistance in the rebuilding effort.

United Way has set up the “United Way of Rutherford & Cannon Counties Long Term Recovery Fund” at First Bank to accept donations for local tornado victims as they begin the process of recovery. Those wishing to contribute may stop by any First Bank location in Tennessee to drop off their donation, or make a donation online at www.uwrutherford.org.

“United Way’s top priority is ensuring that 100% of the funds stay local to help people in the Murfreesboro community affected by the recent disaster,” said Rachel Holder, United Way of Rutherford & Cannon Counties President/CEO. “All of the money donated at First Bank or online to the long term recovery fund will stay local to be distributed by volunteers and through our partner agencies to help with rebuilding our community. We appreciate First Bank’s willingness to be our partner in this effort.”

Local individuals wishing to help will have another opportunity this Friday and Saturday, April 17 and 18, at Penny’s Closet in Murfreesboro. Business owner Penny Bolton has pledged to donate 10% of her sales on Friday and Saturday to United Way to help with long term tornado recovery. Bolton is hosting her annual Claudia Labao jewelry collection event this weekend. Labao’s designs are worn by Eva Longoria, Kate Hudson, Jessica Alba and others. Another one of Bolton’s vendors, Salt of the Earth, has also agreed to donate 10% of sales in Bolton’s store through the end of April to United Way to help with tornado relief efforts.

Interested shoppers may visit Penny’s Closet from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Friday, April 17th and 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 18th to view Labao’s designs and support the United Way.

For more information on the above events, or for additional information on local tornado relief efforts, contact Rachel Holder at 615-893-7303, ext. 112.