UPS has partnered with the American Red Cross to deliver 70 tons of food and relief supplies to communities affected by the earthquake and tsunami in American Samoa. Additional supplies are scheduled to arrive in November by ocean freight.
The shipments by UPS, a member of the Annual Disaster Giving Program of the American Red Cross, are supporting the ongoing relief efforts of the Red Cross in American Samoa in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami that struck Sept. 29. "Thanks to the generosity of our Annual Disaster Giving Program members, we are able to mobilize human and material resources at a moment's notice to provide lifesaving services," said Jeffrey Towers, chief development officer at the American Red Cross. "These funds, coupled with the support of the American public, are critical during hurricane season and enable the Red Cross to rush immediate relief to disaster victims before the first donation has been given."
Other members of the Annual Disaster Giving Program include Altria Group Inc., American Express, AXA Foundation, ConAgra Foods, FedEx Corporation, GE Foundation, The Home Depot Foundation, John Deere Foundation, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Merck & Co. Inc., Morgan Stanley, Nationwide Insurance Foundation, Raytheon, Ryder Charitable Foundation, State Farm, State Street Foundation, Target, The TJX Companies Inc., and UnitedHealthcare.
"In addition to our annual contribution, one of the strengths UPS brings is using our network to position needed supplies to support local recovery efforts," said Ken Sternad, president of The UPS Foundation. "By donating funds, coordinating volunteer activities and moving supplies, UPS has been able to help provide some relief to those in need."
