JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Through generous customer donations at BI-LO, Harveys and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, Southeastern Grocers announced Thursday that it will donate $565,393 in support of the American Red Cross’ disaster relief to assist Louisiana residents impacted by recent flooding.
The contribution includes the dollar for dollar match Southeastern Grocers donated through the Southeastern Grocers Foundation.
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The flooding in Louisiana is the worst natural disaster in the United States since Hurricane Sandy in 2012. All funds raised go directly to the American Red Cross’ Disaster Relief and will be used to provide food, shelter, counseling and other assistance to thousands of people in Louisiana after unprecedented flooding inundated neighborhoods.
“We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to our customers, associates and communities throughout our footprint for supporting families in Louisiana during these challenging times,” Ian McLeod, CEO and president of Southeastern Grocers, said. “The donation amount is a true testament of the generosity of our customers, and we are delighted to present the American Red Cross with over $565,000 for disaster relief.”
“Southeastern Grocers played an integral role by activating its customer donation program within 24 hours,” Josh Joachim, regional CEO for the American Red Cross of Louisiana, said. “Through the generous support of partners like Southeastern Grocers, the American Red Cross is able to meet the emergency needs of the community today and in the future.”
The donated funds were raised through contributions made in BI-LO, Harveys and Winn-Dixie stores during checkout from Aug. 17-23, as well as on each organization’s dedicated website. Southeastern Grocers matched every penny donated.
All the funds raised will help the American Red Cross provide the following for Louisiana flood victims:
- Safe, dry shelter until families return home
- Water and hot meals
- Safe play areas for children staying in shelters
- Help for people with disabilities
- First aid
- Comfort and emotional support
- Damage assessment in affected neighborhoods
- Help with preparation of recovery plans
Throughout a 50-year partnership, American Red Cross and Southeastern Grocers have raised nearly $10 million through community donation programs, foundation and corporate support.
Southeastern Grocers had several stores that suffered flooding damage. Two stores remain closed:
- Winn-Dixie Store 1591, 28145 Walker South Road, Walker, Louisiana
- Winn-Dixie Store 1467, 13555 Old Hammond Hwy., Baton Rouge, Louisiana
The company and its associates are working to reopen the stores quickly and safely. Winn-Dixie moved, constructed and stocked a fully functioning mobile pharmacy for its Walker store in just days after the flood hit the community.
The pharmacy remains open seven days a week, operating the following hours:
- 8a.m. to 8p.m. Monday through Friday
- 8a.m. to 6p.m. Saturday and Sunday
The mobile pharmacy continues to serve customers in need and has filled hundreds of prescriptions since it opened on Aug. 19.