Food Lion
Food Lion has a long standing relationship of helping those in need in conjunction with the American Red Cross.
From fires to floods to hurricanes, Food Lion has a long tradition of providing rapid relief to local communities struck by natural disasters and emergencies. Whether it's providing water to towns without power or sending truck loads of water, ice and food to areas devastated by hurricanes, Food Lion is there to help.
Through our "Your help counts" campaign Food Lion provides a lead gift and challenges our customers in the community to match the contribution. Customer are able to make donations in any amount during checkout. The tax deductible donation shows on their grocery receipt.
In April 2009, Food Lion raised money to support the Myrtle Beach community. For two weeks, twenty-one local Food Lion stores collected donations for the Coastal South Carolina chapter of the American Red Cross to aid those affected by the wildfires. Food Lion also provide sandwiches and beverages to the firefighters battling the wildfires.
In March 2008, Food Lion collected funds to assist families of fallen Salisbury, NC firefighters. For two weeks, Rowan County, NC Food Lion stores collected donations to support the families of the firefighters lost or injured in the five alarm fire at Salisbury Millwork on March 7. Donation canisters were distributed to the nine Food Lion stores. On the day of the fire, associates at the local Food Lion assembled and delivered 80 lunches to the firefighters at the East Innes Street Station, while associates at the distribution center on Harrison Road contributed snacks and water for the firefighters.
In 2005, Food Lion and its customers donated over $800,000 donation to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, with Food Lion offering a lead donation of $250,000 to support the gulf coast following Hurricane Katrina.
About American Red Cross Disaster Relief
Since its founding in 1881 by visionary leader Clara Barton, the American Red Cross has been the nation's premier emergency response organization. As part of a worldwide movement that offers neutral humanitarian care to the victims of war, the American Red Cross distinguishes itself by also aiding victims of devastating natural disasters. Over the years, the organization has expanded its services, always with the aim of preventing and relieving suffering.
Today, in addition to domestic disaster relief, the American Red Cross offers compassionate services in five other areas: community services that help the needy; support and comfort for military members and their families; the collection, processing and distribution of lifesaving blood and blood products; educational programs that promote health and safety; and international relief and development programs.
The American Red Cross is where people mobilize to help their neighbors-across the street, across the country, and across the world-in emergencies. Each year, in communities large and small, victims of some 70,000 disasters turn to neighbors familiar and new-the more than half a million volunteers and 35,000 employees of the Red Cross. Through over 700 locally supported chapters, more than 15 million people gain the skills they need to prepare for and respond to emergencies in their homes, communities and world.
Some four million people give blood-the gift of life-through the Red Cross, making it the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. And the Red Cross helps thousands of U.S. service members separated from their families by military duty stay connected. As part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, a global network of 186 national societies, the Red Cross helps restore hope and dignity to the world's most vulnerable people.
An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work.
The American National Red Cross is headquartered in Washington, Gail J. McGovern is President and CEO, and Bonnie McElveen-Hunter is Chairman of the Board of Governors.
