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Belk is aiming to remain an active member in the Franklin-Southampton community, and it recently took action to communicate its commitment to the area and its people via a donation to an important local organization.

The Belk store located in Franklin recently reformatted to become a Belk Outlet store, and in connection with its recent grand opening commemorating that change, it has donated $1,000 to the Pink is Powerful Cancer Support Group, which is led by Audrey Lee.

“Once we changed our format here, the company thought it’d be a great idea to give a donation, because I think a lot of people thought we were changing our format and then we were going to close,” said Joe Giardina, store manager of the Belk Outlet in Franklin. “So just to show that we are not going anywhere, (that) we are going to be part of the community for a long time to come,” he said it was decided: “Let’s give a donation.”

With Pink is Powerful being an area organization having a strong connection to the community and serving an important purpose, it became an ideal group to become the recipient of Belk’s donation.

“Pink Is Powerful Cancer Support Group is very appreciative and elated by the donation presented to our organization by Belk store,” said Lee, who is the support group’s founder and director. “This donation will assist us in our effort to offer some relief to those who are going through this dreaded disease, as well as their families and caregivers. 

“Our organization has been assisting the community through donations and our yearly ‘Shades of Pink Gala,’ which we have not been able to sponsor since the pandemic,” she said. “This donation is a welcome financial help in assisting with the many requests we have. We constantly have requests for assistance with transportation to appointments, food deficiency, burial assistance, rental assistance, etc. 

“It is always good to know that the community recognizes the work you do in the community and is willing to assist in any way possible,” she added.

Those who may wish to join the Pink is Powerful support group should contact Lee at 757-556-5765. 

The group meets at the Empowerment Center, which is located at 1821 South St. in Franklin.