H-E-B Commits $500,000 to Support Victims of School Shooting in Uvalde, Texas

Following the grocery store mass shooting in Buffalo, N.Y., Lone Star State-based grocer H-E-B is trying to pick up the pieces following a tragic situation closer to home. At least 19 students and two adults have died after the May 24 shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. 

H-E-B announced on May 25 that it is mobilizing to provide community support in response to the tragedy at the school.

“At H-E-B, supporting our communities in times of need is at the heart of our 'Helping Here' and 'Spirit of Giving' philosophies,” the grocer said in a statement. “With heavy hearts, Texans witnessed another senseless act of violence that, this time, descended upon an elementary school in Uvalde, taking more than 20 innocent lives. As a member of the Uvalde community for decades, H-E-B is committed to support our partners and neighbors who have been affected by this tragic situation.”

Winell Herron, H-E-B group VP of public affairs, diversity and environmental affairs, said in a statement, “Our hearts go out to all the families during this tragic and painful time. Our neighbors in Uvalde, including many of our H-E-B partners, have connections to someone touched by this tragedy." Herron added, “We grieve alongside them as they face unimaginable loss. It is our hope that H-E-B’s support, along with our loyal customers’ donations, will help during this difficult situation.”

The grocery retailer said it has committed $500,000 as it launches a donation campaign to support victims and their families. H-E-B said starting May 25, H-E-B, Central Market, Joe V’s Smart Shop and Mi Tienda customers can make monetary donations in-store at the register for $1, $3, $5, $50 or $100 or at checkout in curbside and home delivery orders.

The San Antonio-based grocer said monetary gifts will go into the Spirit of Giving Fund, a 501c3 nonprofit H-E-B created in the wake of Hurricane Harvey and the Sutherland Springs tragedy, to benefit the victims and families of Robb Elementary School in Uvalde. Donations to support the fund can be made here. 

In the spirit of Texans helping Texans, H-E-B said stores in the area and the grocer’s H-E-B Mobile Kitchens will provide meals, supplies and other resources to community support centers, first responders and the local school district.

“We will work closely with nonprofit organizations providing critical aid to those in need. The company will also provide crisis counselors to support H-E-B partners and neighbors grieving throughout the community,” H-E-B said.