Wildfires Prompt Retail Donations

LOS ANGELES — Local retailers came to the rescue last week in the wake of the wildfires that ripped through Southern California, destroying homes and displacing hundreds of thousands of people.

Several retailers sent supplies of food, water and other emergency goods to facilities where evacuees were being sheltered, such as Qualcomm Stadium and the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

By early last week Ralphs Supermarkets and Food 4 Less, the banners operated by Kroger Co. in Southern California, had contributed more than $350,000 in product and grants, the chains said. The chains also provided food, water and other supplies to firefighters.

“Thousands of our customers, associates and their families have been affected by the wildfires,” said Mike Donnelly, president of Ralphs, in a prepared statement.

Ralphs' donations included a $200,000 grant to the American Red Cross Wildfire Relief Fund through the Ralphs/Food 4 Less Foundation.

Wal-Mart Stores, Bentonville, Ark., said its Wal-Mart Foundation provided a $1 million donation to the American Red Cross — the largest donation the organization has received, according to Wal-Mart.

In addition to the cash contributions, Wal-Mart said it donated 20 truckloads of water, clothing, blankets and other supplies valued at about $400,000. It has also set up collection sites at each of its 208 California stores.

Albertsons also is providing opportunities for customers to donate in its stores. The Supervalu-owned chain said it was partnering with Food For All, the hunger relief organization, to solicit donations of $1, $3 or $5 using a checkout-based coupon system. The effort will run through Nov. 16.

Albertsons also said it was donating hundreds of pounds of product to fire departments and evacuation centers, including water, baby food, fruit, granola bars, yogurt, dust masks and other supplies. The Supervalu Foundation made a $100,000 contribution to the American Red Cross.

Even in Northern California, retailers are pitching in: Save Mart Supermarkets, Modesto, Calif., said it was accepting donations in all of its stores for the American Red Cross.

“The devastation caused by wildfires down south will have a lasting impact on those communities,” said Bob Spengler, president, Save Mart. “Short- and long-term funds will be needed to help people rebuild their lives.”