By Karsten Doan, volunteer contributor, American Red Cross North Texas Region

During that time, Louisiana desperately needed aid and many donors and volunteers immediately stepped up.

The road to recovery still trudges on, but the American Red Cross would like to shine the spotlight on the Albertsons Companies for their outstanding support and generous donations.

Albertsons Companies is one of the largest food and drug retailers in the United States and own and operate stores in 34 states and the District of Columbia.

Albertsons Companies are under 20 well-known banners, including Albertsons, Tom Thumb and Randall’s Food Markets. They maintain their mission of “helping people across the country live better lives by making a meaningful difference, neighborhood by neighborhood.”

During Hurricane Laura, the American Red Cross partnered with the Albertsons, Tom Thumb and Randall’s across Texas and Louisiana on a two week register campaign to help our relief efforts assisting people affected. Through their generous customers, the campaign was extremely successful raising $312,816! Additionally, Albertsons donated 54 pallets of water and 1,200 cases of product including snack bars and fruits snacks that were vital to help those in need. Albertsons and their customers have consistently been a giving presence for years, and in 2017 they helped raise $427,588 when Hurricane Harvey struck Houston.

Further, Red Cross is partnering with Albertsons through their “Nourishing Neighbors” program.  This program helps our local communities by ensuring that all of our neighbors, including kids, seniors and families have access to nourishing meals. Through this important program they have donated local grants to the Red Cross bringing them to our Silver Level Partner.

Through Albertsons Companies generous donations, more than 110,00 shelf-stable meals and several trailers full of water where able to get to shelters during the recent Texas Winter Storm.

“The Red Cross is proud to count Albertsons Grocery as a partner as we worked together and prepared for Hurricane Laura to ensure that we were able to provide people throughout the Gulf Coast with much needed support, food and shelter, as well as additional safety precautions to keep people safe during the pandemic,” said Don Herring, Chief Development Officer at the American Red Cross.

Albertsons is a shining example of philanthropic integrity when disasters strike and we cannot thank them enough. The generosity of our partners and volunteers are the heartbeat of our organization and we are grateful for their continued support.