CHARLESTON, S.C., June 16, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On June 17, 2015, the Mother Emanuel AME Church and the city of Charleston, South Carolina were devastated by a horrible act of violence that took the lives of nine parishioners and seriously injured five others. As the one-year anniversary of the tragedy approaches, Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated (Nasdaq:COKE) (CCBCC) has partnered with the Mother Emanuel AME Church and Samaritan’s Feet, in hosting the Charleston 9 Inaugural Celebration – a Day of Service and Healing, on Saturday, June 18, 2016.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Mother Emanuel AME Church and Samaritan’s Feet in a day of Service and Healing,” said J. Frank Harrison III, Chairman and CEO of Coca-Cola Consolidated. “Instead of allowing this heinous act to create an atmosphere of fear and anger, the people of South Carolina chose to stand united in love and grace.  We are here to honor and celebrate the victims and survivors, as well as the Charleston community, as we distribute shoes to children in need.”

This celebration is part of Mother Emanuel AME Church’s 9-day community event known as Victory in the Valley. The Charleston 9 Inaugural Celebration centers around a foot cleansing and shoe distribution event for local children in need.  Volunteers from across the region will place 2,016 pairs of shoes on children after the symbolic act of washing their feet.  This event is meant to honor and encourage the Charleston community, and to celebrate its courage and strength during this difficult time. The shoe distribution will be followed by activities for the children, a peaceful march down Mother Emanuel Way District and a tree-planting ceremony in honor of the nine victims and five survivors.

“This church and this community have been a beacon of hope and grace in the midst of deep loss.  Their legacy will continue to impact many in the years to come.  We are simply shining their light of faith and love, by blessing children in need in their honor,” said Emmanuel “Manny” Ohonme of Samaritan’s Feet.

To volunteer for the June 18 Charleston 9 Inaugural Celebration event, please visit http://www.samaritansfeet.org/united-states/south-carolina/.  

—Enjoy Coca-Cola—

About Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated
Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated provides moments of happiness for millions of people every day with a broad portfolio of beverages that fit every activity and lifestyle.

Coke Consolidated is the largest independent Coca-Cola bottler in the United States. We make, sell and distribute Coca-Cola products along with other unique beverages, carrying more than 250 brands across 15 states to over 33 million people. Our company is committed to serving others, pursuing excellence and growing profitably.

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Coke Consolidated is traded on the NASDAQ under the symbol COKE. More information about the company is available at www.cokeconsolidated.com. Follow Coke Consolidated on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Linkedin.

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