(3BLMedia/theCSRfeed) WASHINGTON, D.C. - Aug. 23, 2010 - The American Red Cross today recognized The UPS Foundation for its support of Red Cross disaster response work through the Annual Disaster Giving Program.

Members of the Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program pledge donations on an ongoing basis, in advance of major disasters, to help the Red Cross ensure an immediate response to meet the needs of those affected by disasters of all sizes, at no cost and regardless of income. 

“Thanks to the support of The UPS Foundation and other companies and foundations, the Red Cross has a reliable funding base for disaster relief services,” said Gail McGovern, President and CEO of the American Red Cross. “This enables the Red Cross to respond immediately to the needs of individuals and families impacted by disaster anywhere in the United States, providing food, shelter, emotional support, and other essential assistance to disaster victims.”

“When disasters strike, The American Red Cross resources and logistics capabilities are essential to getting supplies to those in need,” said The UPS Foundation President Ken Sternad. “Our partnership is one element of UPS’s global humanitarian relief program, combining financial grants, in-kind services and logistics expertise to aid in preparedness, relief and recovery efforts around the world.”

“The generous donations by members of the Annual Disaster Giving Program help the Red Cross assist victims of disaster and support volunteers who work tirelessly at the disaster scene,” said Neal Litvack, Chief Development Officer at the American Red Cross.  “All money donated by the program members and by the general public is essential to our ability to serve the mission of the Red Cross.”

Other members of the Annual Disaster Giving Program include major leading companies such as Altria Group, American Express, AXA Foundation, Cisco Foundation, ConAgra Foods, Darden Restaurants, Inc., FedEx Corporation, GE Foundation, General Motors Foundation, The Home Depot Foundation, John Deere Foundation, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Lowe’s Companies, Inc., Merck, Morgan Stanley, Nationwide Insurance Foundation, Ryder Charitable Foundation, State Farm, State Street Foundation, Target, The TJX Companies, Inc., and UnitedHealthcare.

People can join the Annual Disaster Giving Program members in supporting the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund and help provide food, shelter, counseling and other assistance to the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year. Visit RedCross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make a donation.  

Help people affected by disasters by donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters. Your gift enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of all disasters. Call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C., 20013

. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org. 

The American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org. 

About The UPS Foundation:

UPS (NYSE: UPS) is the world's largest package delivery company and a global leader in supply chain and freight services. Since its founding in 1907, UPS has built a legacy as a caring and responsible corporate citizen, supporting programs that provide long-term solutions to community needs. UPS promotes community involvement through its ongoing volunteerism and grant programs, environmental sustainability and corporate philanthropy. In 2009, UPS’s charitable contributions totaled nearly $100 million and UPS employees and their families contributed more than 1.2 million hours of volunteer service. The company can be found on the web at UPS.com. To get UPS news direct, visit pressroom.ups.com/RSS.

UPS8519