By: Winter Harris

Plano-based Upbound Group, Inc. has committed to continue to support the American Red Cross as a Ready 365 Giving Circle program Platinum member. Upbound is the parent entity for Rent-A-Center and other lease-to-own brands. The Ready 365 program includes corporate donors who generously support the Red Cross at a high level throughout the year.

This year, the company donated $150,000, an increase of $25,000 over last year and the largest amount it has ever contributed to the Red Cross.

The Red Cross disaster relief services were supported by an initial gift of $100,000, assisting with its preparedness, recovery and response services. Upbound Group, Inc. donated an additional $25,000 in support of the Midwest tornado recovery efforts after seeing the impact the storms had on employees, residents and customers. It stepped up again in August with a $25,000 donation for the Hawaii wildfire recovery efforts.

In addition to its generous disaster relief support, Upbound Group, Inc. recently hosted an annual employee blood drive supporting the Red Cross at their offices. The company will host two blood drives each year, starting in 2024, with the goal of doubling the number of donations received in 2023.

As a good corporate steward, Upbound Group, Inc. participated in a Red Cross Hands Only CPR Training at their offices and encourages employees to learn life-saving skills. The Red Cross is pleased to have Upbound Group, Inc., Vice President Global CISO Shamoun Siddiqui, serving on the board of directors for the Dallas-Fort Worth Metro East Chapter.

“Every day, the Red Cross assists those impacted by disasters big and small. Through the generous support of our partners like Rent-A-Center, the Red Cross can continue to help communities respond to and recover from disasters,” said Linda Braddy, CEO of the Red Cross North Texas Region.

We are sincerely grateful for Upbound Group, Inc., the parent company for Rent-A-Center, Acima, and other consumer brands’ unwavering support of our mission throughout the year. Thank you!