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As wildfires continue to ravage Los Angeles County, leading companies like Amazon, Kroger, CVS Health and Walgreens are stepping up to provide aid and resources to affected communities. From leveraging logistics networks to donating essential supplies, these corporations are making significant contributions to disaster relief efforts and are demonstrating how businesses can play a pivotal role in responding to disasters.
Amazon
Amazon is leading the charge with its recently launched Wildfire Relief Hub two hours east of Los Angeles. Stocked with over 6,000 essential items, the hub supports first responders and nonprofit organizations such as the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Dream Center, and World Central Kitchen.
Supplies being distributed include:
- Wildfire mitigation tools such as axes, smoke pumps, and shelter kits.
- Protective gear like respirators, trauma kits, and hydration packets.
- Necessities like water, baby food, canned goods, and pet food.
In addition to leveraging its extensive logistics infrastructure, Amazon is providing AWS cloud technology to enhance situational awareness for emergency responders. This includes aerial imagery and data processing to aid wildfire containment efforts.
Despite temporarily closing some regional facilities, Amazon is minimizing customer disruptions by rerouting deliveries through its national network. The company has also committed to updating delivery estimates and ensuring customer service remains accessible 24/7.
Kroger
The Kroger Family of Companies, which includes Ralphs and Food4Less stores in Southern California, has pledged to raise $1 million to support wildfire relief. This includes $500,000 in company-matched donations for customer contributions to the American Red Cross and local Feeding America food banks.
Kroger has made it easy for customers to participate by offering a “round-up” option at checkout or donating online. The company is also delivering food, water, and supplies to local fire departments and evacuation centers.
Additionally, Kroger is collaborating with the United Service Organizations (USO) to deploy a Mobile Canteen to support the California National Guard’s disaster relief efforts. The company’s Annual Disaster Giving Program directs $500,000 annually to the American Red Cross, reinforcing its long-term commitment to disaster preparedness and response.
CVS Health
CVS Health is providing vital health and wellness support to wildfire-impacted communities. The company has donated essential items, including first aid supplies, masks, and over-the-counter medications, to evacuation centers and relief organizations.
CVS is also offering free prescription refills, telehealth consultations, and mental health services for those affected by the wildfires. With many of its locations remaining open, the company is ensuring access to critical health services during this crisis.
In addition, CVS Health is contributing to community recovery efforts by partnering with local organizations to address ongoing needs and support long-term rebuilding initiatives.
Walgreens
Walgreens issued the following statement:
"We are focused on the safety and well-being of our patients, customers and team members and have taken precautions to support areas impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires so we can provide the products and services the community needs. We have positioned resources and are actively deploying them as needed. For anyone who is unable to retrieve their medications, our pharmacists may dispense emergency medication refills for most medications without prescriber authorization during a declared emergency."
- The store locator feature on Walgreens.com and the Walgreens mobile app can help anyone find the nearest Walgreens and also to check the latest store status.
- Patients can also contact pharmacy staff 24/7 through Pharmacy Chat available on Walgreens.com and the mobile app. Customers can also call 1-800-WALGREENS for information.
- Patients with a scheduled appointment will be notified of any changes to their appointment via email, text message and/or mobile app notification.
- For Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy patients who reside in the emergency area, our Patient Care Advocate teams are reaching out to discuss alternate delivery arrangements, if needed, to ensure ongoing access to care and treatment.
