Long-Standing Donor to Red Cross Disaster Relief Expands Support to Home Fire Safety

TAMPA, Fla. – February 24, 2025 – The American Red Cross recognizes Circle K Florida, headquartered in Tampa, for its donation of $147,000 as the Florida (statewide) presenting sponsor of Sound the Alarm 2025, a series of community home fire safety events. This commitment, made from the proceeds of Circle K’s annual FishStix golf tournament, enables the Red Cross to continue its work helping communities across the state prepare for home fires – the nation’s most frequent disaster.

During Sound the Alarm events, the Red Cross joins with fire departments and community partners to go door-to-door in neighborhoods vulnerable to home fires, installing free smoke alarms and sharing fire safety information with families. Events in Central Florida kick off March 14 and go through April 12.

“Even with increasing climate-driven disasters, the majority of Red Cross relief efforts are still in response to home fires. With the help of generous partners like Circle K, we can continue our work to protect our neighbors from these everyday crises,” said Michael D. Brown, Executive Director, Tampa Bay Chapter.

Sound the Alarm events are a critical piece of the larger Red Cross Home Fire Campaign. From 2014 through December 2024, the program is credited with helping save more than 2,200 lives, about one-third of which were children. More than 2.9 million free smoke alarms have been installed nationwide making 1.2 million homes safer from these everyday emergencies.

“Circle K Florida is proud to continue our partnership with the American Red Cross for over 10 years. Our support to commit to this vital organization reflects our shared values and desire to be a part of the communities where we operate and live,” said Eddie Quintana, Vice President Operations, Circle K Florida. “Together, we have made meaningful impact, and we are dedicated to strengthening our relationship as we work side by side to address pressing needs and uplift our communities. We look forward to many more years of collaboration and mutual support!”

Circle K Florida supports the work of the Red Cross as a Ready 365 Giving Circle member, enabling our urgent humanitarian mission every day of the year. With in-store donation campaigns and special events, Circle K and its customers raise funds year-round that benefit disaster relief and help build more resilient communities. Circle K employees also work alongside Red Cross volunteers to help prepare families for home fires.

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.

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