(Left to right) Katie Fitch, Mike Jones, Marigail Mullin, Dixie Minatra, and Danielle Benson

KNOXVILLE -- Belk, Inc. has made a donation of $10,000 to the YWCA Knoxville. This donation will be used to support all programs that the YWCA Knoxville has for low-income women and their families in the community.

"Belk is honored to be able to help the Knoxville community by supporting women whose life circumstances have caused financial hardship for themselves and their families," said Dixie Minatra, Belk regional vice president, East Tennessee. "The YWCA's mission aligns with Belk's corporate values and our mission to be a leader in our store communities."

Belk is the nation's largest privately owned mainline department store company with more than 300 fashion department stores in 16 contiguous Southern states. Belk's rich heritage of philanthropy dates back to the company's founders who believed strongly in the importance of giving back to the communities that made the success of their company possible. Belk considers community involvement and charity to be an essential part of their mission. Women's health, education, and community are the three focuses of Belk's community efforts.

The mission of the YWCA is to create opportunities for women's growth, leadership and power in order to attain a common vision. This donation will help to improve YWCA programs such as the YWCA Transitional Housing Program which offers women a safe place to stay and time to become self-sufficient and the YWCA free After-School Enrichment Program for middle school aged children in need.

"We are very excited to accept this donation," CEO, Marigail Mullin said. "The funding will allow us to provide our services to those in need."

For more information on the YWCA Knoxville's programs, please visit www.ywcaknox.com

For more information on Belk's community outreach, please visit www.belk.com.