Rite Aid Foundation supports fire relief efforts

The Rite Aid Foundation is committing funds to help those affected by wildfires in California, Oregon and Washington. The charity arm of Camp Hill, Pa.-based Rite Aid has donated $250,000 to the American Red Cross to support the organization’s efforts to provide food, water and shelter to evacuees. 

“Our neighbors, families, associates and customers are bearing the tragic implications of these devastating wildfires,” said Jessica Kazmaier, president of The Rite Aid Foundation’s board of directors and Rite Aid executive vice president, chief human resources officer. “We extend our deepest sympathy to those who have been affected and are humbled to support our neighborhoods during this time of need.”

Rite Aid has more than 700 stores, three distribution centers, an ice cream factory and Elixir locations, including a call center and clinical operations in the three states affected, with 150 stores in areas directly affected by the wildfires. 

In addition to providing meals, emergency lodging and relief supplies that include cots and blankets, the American Red Cross also is supplying personal protective gear, masks and hand sanitizer to help prevent COVID-19 transmission. 

“The Red Cross is working around the clock to help hundreds of thousands of people forced to evacuate from their homes due to the western wildfires. We have taken extra safety precautions due to the pandemic to ensure people feel safe as we support the communities impacted by the wildfires,” said Don Herring, chief development officer at the American Red Cross. “We are extremely grateful for The Rite Aid Foundation’s support, which allows us to provide shelter, food and comfort to help people in need."