Georgia-based corporations have joined the efforts to bring financial, humanitarian and logistical aid to communities in neighboring states affected by Hurricane Florence.
The hurricane made landfall in North Carolina last Friday. It has caused widespread flooding in that state, as well as South Carolina, while its remnants spawned tornadoes in Virginia. So far, the slow-moving storm has claimed 33 lives and continued to produce heavy rains over parts of the Mid-Atlantic states Tuesday.
The Home Depot Foundation has announced it is increasing its funds for disaster relief for Hurricane Florence, Tropical Storm Olivia, the California wildfire and flooding in the Midwest to $3 million.
The company sent $500,000 to Operation Blessing and Convoy of Hope to replenish their warehouses with much-needed supplies ahead of Florence’s landfall.
“Our hearts go out to our associates, customers and communities affected by Hurricane Florence and other recent devastating disasters,” said Shannon Gerber, executive director of The Home Depot Foundation.
Besides offering financial support, the foundation also has sent 200 volunteers to work alongside other agencies offering relief in the states. On Thursday, company employees will pack nearly 2,400 relief buckets to be shipped to families in the affected areas.
“We will continue to work closely with our nonprofit partners to assess the needs of the impacted communities,” said Gerber.
In addition to Home Depot, other Atlanta companies providing support to hurricane victims include:
- UPS. The global shipping company has committed more than $1 million to meet the short- and long-term needs of affected communities. Through its charitable arm, the UPS Foundation, the company has sent skilled volunteers to provide technical expertise and to help with the transportation of supplies.
“UPS is collaborating with FEMA and its non-profit relief partners on multiple fronts to ensure help reaches those who need it urgently,” said Eduardo Martinez, president of the foundation.
- Delta Airlines has donated $1 million to the American Red Cross to assist with ongoing relief efforts.
Delta's customers also can make cash donations or donate their travel miles to the American Red Cross to provide free travel to those assisting in relief efforts.
“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,” said Tad Hutcheson, managing director of community engagement.
- Coca-Cola has donated bottled water to the Red Cross to be distributed to relief shelters and emergency response teams. The company is also encouraging its customers to donate to the American Red Cross efforts.
“We’re working with our community partners to expand our support in the coming days,” said a Coca-Cola company spokesperson.
Moody's Analytics estimates that damages caused by the storm will cost between $17 billion to $22 billion.
"The estimates are based on the information available, and there is a high probability that Florence's costs will be revised significantly higher with added information or inland flooding," it said in a CNBC report.
