In a second consecutive year of record-breaking disasters, millions of people from coast to coast turned to the American Red Cross for help in their darkest hours. Families are still reeling from this year’s massive wildfires, which scorched more than 8.5 million acres. Six major hurricanes impacted the United States in just three months, devastating communities across nine states and U.S. territories. On the East Coast, Hurricane Florence dumped enough water to fill roughly 15 million Olympic-size swimming pools, and Hurricane Michael became the third most-intense hurricane to strike the continental U.S
In the face of these large disasters, the Red Cross deployed more than 14,000 disaster workers— comprised of 90 percent volunteers to provide comfort, care and support to devastated communities. Red Cross volunteers worked around the clock to operate shelters, assess the damage, deliver food and relief supplies, support disaster health needs and help people plan their next steps.
Members of the Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP) and the Disaster Responder Program as well as their employees and customers generously stepped forward to contribute to the Red Cross Hurricane disaster and Wild Fire relief efforts. Many contributing 100 thousand and above. Their support meant that the Red Cross could be on the ground providing critical support to the communities who were reeling from the devastation of the massive storms. “Disasters like Florence and Michael create more needs than any one organization can meet on their own. The support of these companies makes it possible for us to meet the challenges of these devastating storms and fires providing critical support to those in need, “said Josh Lockwood, Regional CEO, American Red Cross Greater New York Region. “We are so grateful for their support and friendship”
Hurricane Relief Efforts 100,000K and more donors:
Allianz
American Express
Arconic Foundation
BNY Mellon
First Quality Enterprises
Hearst
IBM
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Mastercard
MetLife Foundation
National Football League
NBCUniversal
PepsiCo Foundation
Pfizer Foundation
The Estee Lauder Companies
The KIND Foundation
About the Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP) and Disaster Responder Program:
Each year, the American Red Cross immediately responds to nearly 64,000 disasters around the country— from home fires to tornadoes and severe winter weather, hurricanes and floods to transportation accidents and explosions. The Red Cross not only provides food, shelter and clothing, but also offers comfort and care to help those affected by disaster during their time of greatest need. Members of the Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP) and Disaster Responder Program pre-invest in disaster relief, ensuring the Red Cross can pre-position supplies, secure shelters, maintain vehicles and train volunteers nationwide, so the Red Cross is always ready to respond. This support also means the Red Cross can remain on hand to assist people as they recover and help become better prepared for the next disaster.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.