Dollywood makes a $1.2M donation to feed Sevier County

SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- Dollywood has donated $1.2 million to help feed people in need through Sevier County Food Ministries.

On Tuesday, Dollywood hand-delivered a $91,601.25 check to the food bank.

"When we make the determination of who we're going to help, we always want to help organizations that give back to Sevier Countians,"

said Carol Agee, Dollywood Community Relations.

"What better way to help Sevier Countians than to meet their basic need of having food for their family."

Director Jim Davis said the warehouse is running slim because donations are down, so this money is even more useful this year. He said the money will get them through the summer.

"It is wonderful to see your dollars to be put to good use and to feed those families, so I walk away with much more than we give,"

Agee said.

Dollywood has partnered with the food ministry for 15 years by hosting Sevier County days, where anyone who lives or works in the county can visit the park for $5. About 18,000 visited Dollywood or Dollywood Splash Country during the two-week drive.

The theme park said it plans to do it again in November.