UPS and the American Red Cross Team Up to Send Relief Flight to American Samoa

Atlanta, October 21, 2009

Members of the Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program Provide Support

UPS is delivering 70 tons of food and relief supplies to communities affected by the earthquake and tsunami in American Samoa, as a UPS relief flight has delivered the first payload to assist the ongoing recovery efforts, with additional supplies scheduled to arrive in November by ocean freight.

The shipments by UPS, which is 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 on September 29. When disaster strikes, the Red Cross mobilizes volunteers and supplies into affected areas to shelter, feed and provide mental health counseling to disaster victims and emergency personnel. 

"Thanks to the generosity of our Annual Disaster Giving Program members, we are able to mobilize human and material resources at a moments 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."

Since the Annual Disaster Giving Program’s inception in 1997, members have pledged donations to the Red Cross in advance of major disasters to ensure an immediate response will meet the needs of people who are affected by disasters of all sizes, at no cost and regardless of income. This year’s members provided more than $20 million in funding for the Disaster Relief Fund.  

"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."

Individuals can join forces with companies who are members of the Annual Disaster Giving Program and help provide food, shelter, counseling and other assistance to the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like the recent earthquake and tsunami in American Samoa. Log-on to RedCross.org or call 1-800- RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make a donation. 

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.