Schnucks customers ‘Round Up at the Register’ for tornado victims

Schnuck Markets Inc. and the American Red Cross on Monday announced that customers of the Midwest regional grocer have the opportunity to help those affected by the tornadoes and storms that ravaged states throughout the Midwest and South this past Friday.

Beginning Monday, Dec. 13 and continuing through Sunday, Dec. 19, Schnucks customers at checkout can round up their purchase to the nearest dollar with 100% of the donations going to the American Red Cross’ Disaster Relief Fund.

“Our partners at the American Red Cross are working around the clock across several states to help those in need and make sure everyone has a safe place to stay, food to eat, critical relief supplies, emotional support and comfort in the face of one of the most devastating tornado outbreaks in years,” said Schron Jackson, Schnucks director of community engagement and customer care. “Our customers also have the opportunity to help simply by telling their Schnucks checker that they want to ‘Round Up’ as they have so generously done in the past.”

It is estimated that more than 30 tornadoes ripped across several midwestern and southern states leaving dozens dead and many more without shelter, food or power.

“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of Schnucks’ customers and our partnership with Schnucks which allows the Red Cross to help those affected by these tornadoes and carry out our life saving mission,” said Beth Elders, executive director of the Greater St. Louis Chapter of the American Red Cross.

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Based in St. Louis, Schnuck Markets operates 111 grocery stores throughout Missouri, Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin.

Meanwhile, Ankeny, Iowa-based convenience store chain Casey’s General Stores said Monday it is donating $10,000 to the American Red Cross to support tornado relief and is also collecting donations for the Red Cross through a round-up at the register program. The company also is sending a semitrailer truck filled with bottled water to Mayfield, Ky., one of the hardest-hit locations.

The confirmed death toll from the devastating tornado outbreak rose significantly Monday when Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced at least 64 people were killed in his state, which he said suffered "the worst tornado event" in its history. The governor said it may take weeks before the final death toll would be known.

“Currently, we believe there are at least 105 Kentuckians who are unaccounted for that we are still working to find,” Beshear said Monday morning.

The death toll across six states impacted by the tornadoes is expected to top 100 people.

Related:H-E-B reopens tornado-battered Central Market in Dallas

To assist tornado relief funds, visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or text REDCROSS to 90999.