SAN ANTONIO – In the wake of a fertilizer plant explosion in West, Texas that has leveled part of the town and left many injured, H-E-B donated $50,000 to the American Red Cross and has launched a statewide checkstand donation campaign benefiting the organization in response to the devastation.
One hundred percent of the donations will support American Red Cross disaster relief efforts, which includes sending relief supplies, mobilizing relief workers and providing financial resources to those affected by the disaster.
H-E-B activated its emergency response units and has integrated into the incident command post supporting local emergency management and law enforcement. H-E-B mobilized the H-E-B Eddie Garcia Mobile Kitchen and water tanker to West and donated much needed meals and water to the victims of the disaster and first responders. Food, water, snacks and medical supplies have been donated to local hospitals and nursing home facilities along with baby items such as diapers, formula and bottles to families displaced by the explosion.
Today, H-E-B donated $50,000 to the American Red Cross and will begin accepting customer donations for the victims of the recent tragedy. Customers are encouraged to donate as part of an in-store donation campaign. All donations will benefit the American Red Cross and be directed towards relief efforts.
"We are committed to providing assistance during this heart wrenching time of crisis as many of our neighbors face loss and uncertainty due to the explosion," said Winell Herron, H-E-B group vice president of public affairs, diversity and environmental affairs. "It is our hope that H-E-B's donations, along with our loyal customers' support, will help meet the immediate needs of our displaced neighbors while also aiding larger relief efforts with the American Red Cross. H-E-B's tear pad campaign offers a simple and reliable way for our customers to support the communities affected by this disaster."
The checkstand campaign offers H-E-B customers an opportunity to join H-E-B's support by adding a donation in increments of $1, $3, or $5 to their total grocery bill.
The H-E-B Eddie Garcia Mobile Kitchen, a 45-ft. food preparation trailer can prepare approximately 2,500 hot meals per hour and easily dispatched to a community in need. In addition, H-E-B created a mobile Disaster Relief Unit (DRU), a 57-ft. trailer retro-fitted with a mobile Pharmacy, Business Center, and ATM window.
Providing aid in times of need is the cornerstone of H-E-B's Helping Here philosophy, which promises to stand by communities during times of crisis. For more than 100 years, the company has demonstrated its commitment to communities in crisis by donating financial support, emergency supplies, drinking water and food, as well as providing efficient ways for customers to assist those affected by disaster.
About H-E-B
H-E-B, with sales of more than $19.4 billion, operates more than 350 stores in Texas and Mexico. Known for its innovation and community service, H-E-B celebrated its 105 anniversary in 2010. Recognized for its fresh food, quality products, convenient services, and a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability, H-E-B strives to provide the best customer experience at everyday low prices. Based in San Antonio, H-E-B employs more than 80,000 Partners and serves millions of customers in more than 150 communities.
Source: H-E-B