As extreme weather becomes more frequent and severe, support helps power nonstop response to major disasters
The American Red Cross recognizes Toyota for its increased investment of $1 million to the Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP). This pre-disaster donation builds on Toyota’s longstanding support and helps ensure the Red Cross continues to be prepared to meet the needs of people affected by disasters big and small across the U.S.
The Red Cross responds to more than 60,000 disasters across the country every year, providing relief, comfort and hope to people during what can be the worst days of their lives. As major disasters like wildfires, storms and hurricanes increase in frequency and intensity — now occurring as often as every 15 days — donations from ADGP members like Toyota Motor North America, Gulf States Toyota and Southeast Toyota Distributors fuel Red Cross readiness and ensure response capacity in times of crisis.
"The decades-long relationship between Toyota and the American Red Cross is built on trust, shared purposes and a shared commitment to preparedness,” said Chris Nielsen, Toyota’s executive vice president of supply chain. “We see this as an investment in readiness, response and long-term strength of the communities where we serve.”
Toyota has been a generous donor for nearly 40 years, joining the ADGP program in 2019 after supporting the Red Cross mission for nearly three decades. Early in the partnership, Toyota worked with the Red Cross to streamline event-based volunteer training, helping maximize the time volunteers spend helping in the wake of a disaster. Findings from this initiative have helped volunteers log more time in the community while reducing costs for the Red Cross.
In addition to supporting those affected by disasters big and small whenever and wherever they occur across the country, Toyota has stepped up in the wake of specific events, including Hurricane Maria in 2018, devastating tornadoes and floods across the South in 2019 and widespread flooding in Kentucky in 2022. Outside of disaster relief, Toyota regularly invites their employees to support all facets of the Red Cross mission as part of its workplace giving program and hosts blood drives to help ensure lifesaving blood is available for patients in need.
“I am deeply grateful for Annual Disaster Giving Program members like Toyota that play a vital role in helping the Red Cross respond quickly and effectively when disasters strike,” said Cliff Holtz, president and CEO of the American Red Cross. “Support from forward-thinking organizations like Toyota helps ensure we are prepared to meet rising needs and deliver critical relief to families and communities when its needed most."
Donations from ADGP members also support basic needs for families affected by home fires — which comprise the majority of Red Cross response efforts — and help ensure the Red Cross can continue educating people about disaster preparedness so they can cope with crises in their communities when the unthinkable happens.
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for nearly 70 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships.
Toyota directly employs nearly 64,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of over 50 million cars and trucks at our 14 manufacturing plants. In 2025, Toyota’s plant in North Carolina began to assemble automotive batteries for electrified vehicles.
For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.
About Gulf States Toyota
Gulf States Toyota (GST) is one of America’s most successful private companies and one of the world’s largest distributors of Toyota vehicles and parts. Founded in 1969 in Houston, Texas, GST teams with Toyota Motor North America and over 156 Toyota dealerships in our five-state region – Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana – to meet the rising demand for Toyota vehicles and parts. Gulf States Toyota is part of The Friedkin Group, a privately held family of global brands spanning automotive, entertainment, hospitality, investments, and sport.
About Southeast Toyota Distributors LLC
Southeast Toyota Distributors is the world’s largest independent distributor of Toyotas. The company distributes vehicles, parts and accessories to 178 Toyota dealerships in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina and South Carolina. Dealers in this region sell approximately 20% of all Toyotas sold in the country. Headquartered in Deerfield Beach, Florida, its vehicle processing facilities are located in Jacksonville, Florida and Commerce, Georgia.
Southeast Toyota Distributors is a subsidiary of JM Family Enterprises, Inc., a privately held company with $24.7 billion in revenue and more than 5,500 associates, which is headquartered in Deerfield Beach, Florida. Interact with JM Family on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.