Big United States Companies Donate Millions to California Wildfire Relief

Today, several corporations have announced they are sending donations to support the Red Cross and other California wildfire efforts. Chevron is donating $400,000 to the Red Cross. Peter Robertson, Chevron Vice Chairman, stated, "We are very grateful to the American Red Cross for their efforts in providing critical aid." Chevron also plans to donate an additional $100,000 to local charities and additional supplies such as bottled water.

Target has donated approximately $1 million in monetary and non-monetary support towards wildfire relief. Target's financial donations have been sent to the Red Cross and Salvation Army. Five area Target stores have been closed due to the wildfires. Target is also working towards assisting its employees in the affected area.

The largest cash contribution made to date to the Red Cross is from the Walmart Foundation. Walmart Foundation has pledged $1 million dollars towards wildfire relief. In addition, local Walmart and Sam's Club stores have sent a total of $400,000 in merchandise to local Red Cross shelters. Walmart's assistance to the Red Cross is part of an ongoing partnership between the two entities. During the Katrina disaster, Walmart donated $2 million to the Red Cross.

According to a recent press release, the Red Cross is sending victims of the California wildfires, "25,000 cots, 50,000 blankets, 50,000 pre-packaged meals, 25,000 comfort kits, 75 mobile feeding trucks, 1000 shelter workers, and 1000 additional workers to help with distribution of supplies and other support." This is in addition to the workers, shelters, and emergency supplies which have already been set up in the California area. The assistance sent will increase as the need increases. This massive disaster response is provided free of charge and is sponsored by donations from the public and corporations.

In addition to the Red Cross, other charitable organizations are also receiving corporate donations. The PETCO foundation is beginning a 10 day Round-up program to help raise money to assist animals affected by the wildfires. PETCO customers are encouraged to round-up their totals to the next highest dollar when making purchases. This amount will be contributed to the PETCO foundation. In addition, PETCO has donated about $200,000 in pet products and employees have donated time at local pet and emergency shelters.

Toys'R'Us Children's Foundation has donated $25,000 to Save The Children. Save The Children focuses upon children's needs during the crisis and works closely with the Red Cross. MarkShriver , Vice President and Managing Director of U.S. Programs for Save the Children, says this donation will enable the charity to, "reach thousands of children who have been forced from their homes and help ensure their safety."

Sources:
Walmart Stores, Inc., "Wal-Mart Increases Support to $1 Million to Assist With Wildfire Relief Efforts" ,PR News Wire.
Chevron Corporation, "Chevron Commits $500,000 to California Wildfire Relief Efforts", PR News Wire.
Target, "Target Donates $1 Million for California Wildfire Relief", PR News Wire.
Toys"R"Us, Inc., "Toys'R'Us Children's Fund Donates $250,000 to Save the Children(R) to Help Kids and Families Affected by Southern California Wildfires", PR News Wire.
PETCO, "PETCO and PETCO Foundation Aid California Wildfire Animal Relief" ,PR News Wire.
American Red Cross, "Southern California Wildfires Bring Out Massive Movement of Red Cross Resources" ,PR News Wire.