Through a partnership with Projects With Purpose, Thorntons’ employees 
volunteer to help Catholic Charities of Louisville and Henryville tornado victims.
As part of its ongoing community giving program, Thorntons Inc. employees will be participating in the company’s annual volunteer Humanitarian Day on Sunday, Nov. 11. This year’s focus is two-fold on behalf of both downtown Louisville’s Portland neighborhood and the tornado victims of Henryville, Ind.
In conjunction with Projects With Purpose LLC, the New Orleans-based organization that coordinates and furthers humanitarian initiatives nationwide, volunteers will renovate Catholic Charities of Louisville’s headquarters’ storage facilities. An array of volunteers will perform a multitude of tasks that includes the build out of a new storage area, as well as repairs and refurbishments to, and the reorganization of, existing storage space at the Portland location. These storage areas are essential for the services Catholic Charities provides as they house all donated clothing, food, and other necessities for the individuals and families it serves.
Simultaneously that day, work will commence and be completed on behalf of our neighbors just to the north in Henryville, Ind., the community ravaged by the tornado outbreak of March 2, 2012. Volunteers will fully frame eight houses and 10 sheds that will then be shipped to Henryville victims still in need nine months after the tragedy that completely or partially destroyed almost 200 homes. These efforts will guarantee an additional eight families a new home—plus the sheds that accompany them, which are indispensable for the tools and farming equipment that sustains them. Additionally, for the approaching holidays, Thorntons’ volunteers will prepare 150 Thanksgiving baskets for families pre-qualified by Catholic Charities of Louisville, as well as Thanksgiving baskets and Christmas decorations packages for 15 families in Henryville.
“We could not serve those in need without the support of the community,” said Sr. Michele Intravia, OSU, manager of operation at the Sister Visitor Center. “The volunteers and materials provided by Thornton’s and Projects with Purpose strengthen our ability to continue our mission. This work is truly a blessing.”
“For Catholic Charities of Louisville and the Henryville community, the work our volunteers performed in one day will be immediate, however the long-term impact will live on,” said Matt Thornton, president & CEO of Thorntons Inc. “The enhancements to Catholic Charities will improve operations and increase those served by approximately 40% instantaneously,” he added. “And for those still suffering in Henryville, those families will receive the framework, literally, to rebuild their lives and regain a sense of normalcy and stability after the devastation of the spring storms.”
Headquartered in Louisville, Ky., Thorntons operates 166 gasoline and convenience stores, car washes and travel plazas in five states: Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Tennessee.
