Orville-based Smucker’s commits $500,000 to Annual Disaster Giving Program

By Jim McIntyre, American Red Cross

When disaster strikes, the American Red Cross must be prepared.  Prepared to set up safe shelters, deliver critical supplies, provide emotional support, and help people in need put their lives back together.

Thanks to members of the Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP), we are able to respond whenever and wherever disasters occur.  And one Northeast Ohio company is now a member of the ADGP.

The J. M. Smucker Company is among more than 110 leading corporations and organizations that give to ensure the Red Cross can pre-position supplies, secure shelters, maintain vehicles and train volunteers nationwide, to help keep the Red Cross ready to respond, day and night.

Richard Smucker – Photo credit/American Red Cross of Northeast Ohio

Richard Smucker, Executive Chairman of the Company, said, “At Smucker, we have seen first-hand how critical the Red Cross is in times of tragedy – most recently with the devastating wildfires in California last year. We have a facility in Chico, California, and while the facility was not damaged, 19 of our employees were displaced and 13 of those employees sadly lost their homes.”

Each year, the Red Cross immediately responds to an average of more than 62,000 disasters around the country— from home fires to tornadoes and severe winter weather, hurricanes and floods to transportation accidents and explosions. The Red Cross not only provides food, shelter and clothing, but also offers comfort and care to help those affected by disaster during their time of greatest need.

“The J. M. Smucker Company and other members of our Annual Disaster Giving Program pre-invest in disaster relief,”  said Mike Parks, CEO of the Red Cross Northeast Ohio Region. “They also help us prepare communities for future disasters, and help families during the recovery process.  We are so grateful for their assistance. It’s because of their help that the Red Cross can always be there in times of need.”

Richard Smucker received the Humanitarian of the year award in May, presented by the immediate past honoree, Beth Mooney of KeyBank.  From left: Greater Cleveland Chapter Board Chair Chris Mapes, Richard Smucker, Beth Mooney and Red Cross Regional CEO Mike Parks.

Read the latest story on the National ADGP here.

Edited by Glenda Bogar, American Red Cross volunteer