Community Service Spotlight: C-store Industry Aids Louisiana Flood Victims
NATIONAL REPORT — Giving back through community service efforts and charity donations is a positive force that keeps many retailers and suppliers of this industry moving ahead. On a regular basis, Convenience Store News will highlight these philanthropic efforts in this special section.
Here are the latest company spotlights, highlighting initiatives aiding Louisiana flood victims:
Krispy Krunchy Foods LLC
Following the flooding and devastation in Louisiana, Krispy Krunchy Chicken team members organized a community effort to help feed those affected. In total, more than 5,000 meals were handed out in multiple areas of Louisiana, including Ascension, Livingston and Lafayette.
"Thank you for all that Krispy Krunchy did for us," said Pastor Randy Creel from Lafayette. "The food made a tremendous impact and the people were so grateful."
Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores
Oklahoma City-based Love's donated $25,000 to the Salvation Army to be used toward relief and recovery efforts for those affected by flooding in the Louisiana Gulf Coast region.
"Our hearts go out to those affected by the devastating floods in Louisiana. Our customers, employees and communities mean the world to us, and they have all been impacted significantly by this disaster. We're honored to be able to help in the relief and recovery efforts along the Gulf Coast," said Love's Vice President of Communications Jenny Love Meyer.
Marathon Petroleum Corp.
To aid in flood recovery efforts in Louisiana, Marathon Petroleum donated $250,000. The donation will be distributed among the Red Cross ($100,000), United Way ($50,000) and various local organizations with the remaining $100,000. At least 10 percent of Marathon Petroleum's employees were impacted by the devastating floods.
"With reports of 110,000 homes damaged and over 30,000 people being rescued or displaced, recovery will take time," said chairman, president and chief executive officer Gary R. Heminger. "We are proud to be able to support agencies and organizations that will get the help to where it is needed the most. … In addition to our corporate donations, we will continue to provide assistance to our employees whose lives have been affected by the flooding."
Nestlé Waters North America
Nestlé Waters North America partnered with AmeriCares, Feeding America and Gleaning For the World to deliver more than 475,000 bottles of water to Baton Rouge, La. Twenty-two truckloads carrying 21,600 bottles each of Ozarka Brand 100% Natural Spring Water were dispatched to disaster relief sites and food banks. Over several weeks, deliveries were made to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana, the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank, the Salvation Army of Baton Rouge and the Healing Place Church.
"Providing much-needed water to the people of Baton Rouge and the surrounding area is a job we take very seriously," said Tim Brown, chairman, CEO and president of Nestlé Waters North America. "At this time of upheaval for so many, we are proud to work with AmeriCares, Feeding America and Gleaning For the World to make a difference for the residents of the Baton Rouge area affected by this flood."
Reynolds American Inc.
Winston-Salem, N.C.-based Reynolds American Foundation donated $200,000 to the American Red Cross for assisting flood victims in Louisiana. "The foundation has a long history of answering the call in times of great need," said John S. Wilson, president of the Reynolds American Foundation. "We have confidence in the American Red Cross' ability to help those devastated by the flooding in Louisiana, and we are proud to provide financial support to their tireless efforts. Our hearts go out to all those affected by this disaster."