Home Depot, Delta, SunTrust, Southern Co. Among Those Springing to Aid for Hurricane Harvey

Staff Report From Georgia CEO

Tuesday, August 29th, 2017

Southern Company announced that the Southern Company Charitable Foundation will donate $100,000 to the American Red Cross to aid Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. In addition, the company has established a donation matching program for employee and retiree contributions.

The donations are aimed at helping those communities affected by the widespread storm and flood damage throughout Texas and the Gulf Coast.

"Southern Company is proud to support the response and recovery efforts of the American Red Cross for those impacted by Hurricane Harvey," said Southern Company Chairman, President and CEO Thomas A. Fanning. "As citizens wherever we serve, we are committed to supporting the communities devastated by this catastrophic storm."

In addition to helping our customers, our neighbors and our communities affected by Hurricane Harvey, Southern Company will provide emergency support to employees impacted by the storm.

Southern Company will continue to monitor the situation in Texas and surrounding areas closely and will remain engaged with the American Red Cross and other partners.

The Home Depot Foundation announced its commitment of $1 million to support Hurricane Harvey disaster relief efforts in Texas and Louisiana.

Funds will be distributed to several nonprofit partners including the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Convoy of Hope, Operation Blessing and Team Rubicon to support both short-term relief and rebuilding needs.

"Our hearts and full support go out to our communities, customers and associates that are being impacted by Hurricane Harvey," said Shannon Gerber, executive director of The Home Depot Foundation. "The Home Depot Foundation and Team Depot volunteers will work alongside our disaster relief partners to assist the people and areas impacted by this catastrophic storm."

In addition to helping the communities affected by Hurricane Harvey, the Foundation's employee assistance program, The Homer Fund, will provide emergency financial assistance to associates who have been affected by this tragedy.

When disaster strikes, Delta’s support helps the American Red Cross provide much needed food, water, shelter and assistance to those affected. The threat from Hurricane Harvey is far from over, as extremely dangerous flooding continues in Texas and parts of Louisiana.

Delta customers can support relief efforts for those affected by Hurricane Harvey by donating through Delta’s Customer Microsite created in partnership with the American Red Cross. Donations made through the site will go toward immediate relief needs. Customers are also able to donate miles to the American Red Cross through SkyWish, the charitable arm of Delta's SkyMiles frequent flyer program.

“Supporting the American Red Cross allows Delta, and our employees and customers to immediately help those who are affected by disasters like Hurricane Harvey through our partnership,” said Tad Hutcheson, Managing Director – Community Engagement. “As a global airline, we are committed to investing in our local communities, lending a helping hand when it’s needed the most, and partnering with organizations who are involved with disaster relief year round.” 

Delta’s support – through its $1 million donation to the Annual Disaster Giving Program – helps the Red Cross prepare for disaster responses such as these. As forecasters targeted where and when Hurricane Harvey would make landfall, the Red Cross was already mobilizing its response teams and supplies.  

FEMA and emergency responders urge people to donate money to the Red Cross instead of attempting to send water and supplies to the affected areas. The Red Cross has the processes and people in place to be able to get aid to those who need it now.

The American Red Cross is Delta's longest-standing nonprofit partner. The partnership has allowed the airline, its customers and employees to help those in need for more than 75 years. Delta is the largest corporate blood donor in the Southeast and ranked No. 2 nationwide. In addition to blood donations, Delta is an Annual Disaster Giving Program participant, allowing the organization to be strategic and proactive in disaster response.

The SunTrust Foundation announced a $100,000 grant to the American Red Cross to assist the thousands of Southeast Texas residents impacted by the flash floods and destruction left in the wake of Hurricane Harvey.

"Our thoughts go to the families who've lost their homes and businesses due to the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey," said David Fuller, president of the SunTrust Foundation. "Our donation to the American Red Cross will help them rebuild during this difficult time."