Retailers Lead California Wildfire Recovery Efforts
Central to retailers’ role as community leaders is a commitment to helping residents in times of crisis. In the case of the Southern California wildfires, it means helping affected communities overcome the devastating damage, providing relief, and driving recovery and rebuilding efforts. With stores often on the front lines of these events, retailers are well-positioned to provide supplies, water, shelter, manpower, and more to ensure communities have what they need to recover.
CVS
CVS Health is actively supporting its customers, members, provider partners and colleagues as they respond to the California wildfires. The company prioritizes the health and safety of impacted communities and is dedicated to providing access to the products and services they need.Click here to view CVS Health's support efforts
Gap Inc.
Gap Inc. CEO, Richard Dickson- "Every natural disaster is personal to someone. And this week, like so many friends and colleagues, the devastation in Los Angeles cuts particularly deep. It’s a place I know well, a community I’ve called home, now with so many areas suddenly and heartbreakingly unrecognizable.
While I’m deeply grateful to have reconnected with my family on the ground in LA who thankfully are safe, I’ve watched in horror as homes, favorite family hangouts, and a landscape I love were utterly decimated in a matter of hours. Local schools and retail stores, once a fixture of the community, no longer there. Residents and families displaced and unsure what they will come back to.
It’s been surreal to process the flood of emotions and heartbreak for my fellow Angelenos, Gap Inc. team members, partners and customers impacted, while at the same time inspired by and grateful for the thousands of first responders who are fighting this unprecedented disaster.
Times like this show the true humanity and heartbeat of communities.
In working with the city, we will open our Gap Santa Monica store at 1931 Wilshire today, Saturday, January 11th from noon-5pm, as a pickup location for free N95 masks, hygiene kits, water and other goods in partnership with Direct Relief.
Our brands across Gap Inc. have also donated product that will be available through American Red Cross Los Angeles Region, Baby2Baby and Good+Foundation, and have made financial contributions to various disaster relief organizations like American Red Cross Los Angeles Region and Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation.
I’m so proud of how our California company is stepping up and the number of team members offering their support. LA is a strong community and will come back even stronger."
The Kroger Co.
The Kroger Co. is committing to raise $1 million for families impacted by the blazes that devastated that town and other nearby neighborhoods. As part of that fundraising initiative, shoppers can round up at checkout or donate online. The retailer is also delivering food, water, and supplies to local fire departments and evaluation centers."We strive to fulfill our purpose, to Feed the Human Spirit, every day, and especially when disaster strikes," said Chairman and CEO Rodney McMullen. "Our associates are always among the first to support our communities during natural disasters, and the situation in southern California is no different. I'm so proud of how quickly our teams have worked to reopen stores that were temporarily closed during the unfolding wildfire situation to ensure we're a resource for customers who need fresh food, pantry staples and necessities like water and ice. Our hearts are with everyone who is impacted by this tragedy – especially our team of associates and their extended families – and we are grateful to the first responders working so hard to protect our communities."
Levi Strauss & Co.
At Levi Strauss & Co. we have been watching with heavy hearts as the fires in and around Los Angeles have driven people from their homes, destroyed neighborhoods and created widespread uncertainty for the future of the region.Recognizing the urgent need for clothing, the Beyond Yoga® brand has been donating garments to relief efforts already underway and is planning additional distributions in the days ahead. Additionally, we are working with organizations to provide Levi’s®, Beyond Yoga® and Dockers® garments to impacted individuals in the coming weeks. And all first responders and people impacted by the fires are eligible for a 30% discount at our Los Angeles area Beyond Yoga® and Levi’s® stores.
LS&Co. is also pledging $350,000 to organizations aiding with relief and recovery efforts. These include, to date, California Fire Foundation, the American Red Cross and Baby2Baby. Learn more here.
Lowe's Pledges $2 Million To Support California Wildfire Relief
Lowe's is donating $2 million to support relief and recovery efforts in response to the unprecedented wildfires in Southern California as a part of the company's commitment to supporting communities before, during and after disasters. Lowe's donation will assist first responders and nonprofits that are responding to critical needs like supporting evacuations, emergency shelter and distributing urgently needed supplies like water, N95 masks, air purifiers, ash sifters and storage."Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone in harm's way and with the tireless first responders who are battling the fires around the clock. Lowe's is here to help our resilient neighbors as they continue to face unprecedented destruction and begin the long road to recovery," said Marvin Ellison, Lowe's chairman and CEO.
Lowe's Emergency Command Center is closely monitoring the wildfires and community needs in order to route critically needed supplies to areas directly impacted by the wildfires and to the broader region impacted by power outages and poor air quality.
Visit Lowe's Newsroom for updates on Lowe's continued support. For wildfire resources, visit Lowes.com.
PetSmart Launches Effort to Support Pets Displaced by LA Wildfires & Anyone Can Help
As wildfires continue to affect the L.A. area, PetSmart and PetSmart Charities are stepping up by donating funds to meet the urgent financial needs of local animal welfare organizations. They are also providing essential pet supplies to help pet parents replace items that were lost or left behind.To support animal welfare organizations in Southern California, PetSmart Charities has launched an initial $200,000 in grant funding through its Disaster Relief Fund, with a commitment to provide ongoing assistance as more funds become available.
Aimee Gilbreath, president of PetSmart Charities, said, "We are heartbroken by the devastating fires in L.A. and are committed to getting support to people and organizations in need. As the fires continue to impact our communities, we know animal welfare organizations will need ongoing funding to support pets and their families across Southern California. Together with PetSmart, we’re focused on providing critical funding to help organizations care for rescued and displaced pets, while also supporting displaced families by replacing essential pet supplies.”
PetSmart Charities has provided immediate funds to six organizations in the area, including Los Angeles Animal Services and the Community Animal Medicine Project to cover immediate sheltering, medical care or staffing support, as needed.
Partner organizations located in areas impacted by the fires can apply for grant funds via the PetSmart Charities Disaster Response Portal.
Pet friendly shelters: In L.A., those still on evacuation watch, should note that PetSmart Charities has partnered with the American Red Cross to enable all shelters to be pet-friendly. Those on evacuation watch can use the American Red Cross Sheltering Services website to find a location that can accommodate the entire family.
Grants available to animal welfare organizations: Partner organizations located in areas impacted by the fires can apply for grant funds via the PetSmart Charities Disaster Response Portal.
Pet parents looking to replace essentials: PetSmart is donating essential pet products to Greater Goods Charities including pet food, beds, collars, leashes, and toys. Items will be distributed through responding community-based organizations at distribution points found here.
How People Can Get Involved
Pet passionate people can donate directly to the PetSmart Charities Disaster Relief Fund in PetSmart stores, now through Jan. 20. Stores nationwide have a check-out card at registers with $2, $5, $10, and $20 donation options. PetSmart Treats Rewards members can also donate their Treats Rewards points to the disaster fund – 1,000 points ($2), 2,500 points ($5) or 5,000 points ($10). Members can simply open the PetSmart app or login to their account online and activate the points donation offer card. All donations will directly support animal welfare organizations providing relief efforts in the L.A.-area.
The Home Depot Responds to Southern California Wildfires
When a natural disaster strikes, The Home Depot is here to help communities in need. The Home Depot Foundation is committing $1 million to support relief efforts after the recent wildfires in Southern California.“We’re working with our nonprofit partners to evaluate the immediate needs in impacted areas and get essential relief supplies into the community as quickly as possible,” said Erin Izen, executive director of The Home Depot Foundation.
Community Support
Our stores in Southern California have donated water, masks and other essential supplies to nonprofit organizations to support people in need. To ensure customers have access to the products they need in-store, The Home Depot coordinated with our supplier partners and distribution centers to deploy dozens of truckloads of supplies to The Home Depot’s stores in the area.
In Los Angeles, The Home Depot’s associate volunteer force, Team Depot, is packing fire relief kits for Convoy of Hope and Operation Blessing to distribute in impacted areas. These kits include essentials such as safety goggles, cleaning supplies, trash bags and utility tools for those who need immediate support due to wildfire damage.
Right now, our partners are responding across 17 distribution sites.
- Total Meals Distributed to date: 37,388+
- More than 300,000 pounds of relief supplies distributed
- Essential supplies such as food, water, hygiene items, N95 mask, and air purifiers in Calabasas and a medical facility in Sante Fe Springs.
Partners
Team Rubicon: Supporting points of distribution, service projects at food banks, and pre-arranged mitigation projects.
American Red Cross: Established shelter locations where displaced individuals and families are seeking safe refuge. Through shelters, the Red Cross is distributing meals and providing supplies such as cots, blankets and water. Additionally, hundreds of responders are on the ground supporting the relief effort.
Convoy of Hope: Distributing truckloads of essential supplies in the area, including food, water and hygiene items.
Operation Blessing: Distributed essential items including water, solar lanterns, hygiene kits and more, along with meals to those impacted.
ToolBank USA: In position to provide support for both immediate and long-term recovery efforts.
World Central Kitchen: Distributed thousands of meals to the public, first responders and emergency workers across more than a dozen distribution sites.
Associate Support
After a disaster strikes, many of our associates need help recovering. The Homer Fund, Home Depot’s employee assistance fund, provides immediate financial support to impacted associates in need of safe housing, food and clothing while displaced. The company also deploys resources like meals, gas, water and shower trailers for associates without water or power.The Homer Fund will continue to support associates as they recover from this disaster.
Starbucks Supporting Our Communities and Partners (Employees) During the Los Angeles Wildfires
With the fires in Los Angeles on all our minds, we are dedicated to supporting our partners and communities during this uncertain time through our Partner Care Resources and partnerships with national and local disaster relief and resilience organizations. We are also inviting our customers to join us in donating to the relief efforts, in-store or online. As a thank you to the first responders working hard to protect local communities, Starbucks is offering free tall (12 oz.) brewed hot or iced coffee at our Lost Angeles area stores. Additionally, where it’s safe, our local coffeehouse teams are distributing free coffee and food to first responders.Through The Starbucks Foundation’s longstanding partnership with American Red Cross, we are also supporting in providing shelter, food, water and supplies to those in need. As the path to recovery becomes clearer, we will continue to work closely with disaster response organizations to understand where we can meaningfully support.
Walgreens
We are focused on the safety and well-being of our patients, customers and team members and have taken precautions to support areas impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires so we can provide the products and services the community needs. We have positioned resources and are actively deploying them as needed. For anyone who is unable to retrieve their medications, our pharmacists may dispense emergency medication refills for most medications without prescriber authorization during a declared emergency.- The store locator feature on Walgreens.com and the Walgreens mobile app can help anyone find the nearest Walgreens and also to check the latest store status.
- Patients can also contact pharmacy staff 24/7 through Pharmacy Chat available on Walgreens.com and the mobile app. Customers can also call 1-800-WALGREENS for information.
- Patients with a scheduled appointment will be notified of any changes to their appointment via email, text message and/or mobile app notification.
- For Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy patients who reside in the emergency area, our Patient Care Advocate teams are reaching out to discuss alternate delivery arrangements, if needed, to ensure ongoing access to care and treatment.
Walmart
Associates, customers and members in the communities we serve are experiencing the devastating impacts of the wildfires in Southern California. Our thoughts are with those affected, and we are acting quickly to help. Walmart, Sam’s Club and the Walmart Foundation are committing $2.5 million to support relief efforts, including donations of food, water, essential products and grants.
Over the past several days, Walmart stores in Southern California have donated food, water and gift cards to help first responders and shelters support people in need.
We're also working with nonprofits and suppliers to bring resources into communities, such as free meals.
Throughout the response, we'll continue looking for ways to support our associates, customers, members and their families. Here, we're providing more information on our support for the community and the status of stores and clubs.
Tags
-
Building Communities
-
Leading in the Community
-
Public Policy
-
Retail Impact
