Retailers provide support to those impacted by Southern California wildfires
In the wake of the disastrous Southern California wildfires, retailers, including Kroger, CVS, DoorDash, SpartanNash, Walmart, Sam's Club, Walgreens and Duane Reade are reaching out in numerous ways to provide support to those individuals and families who have been impacted.
Kroger, including southern California's Ralphs and Food4Less stores, announced a commitment to raise $1 million for families impacted by the devastating wildfires impacting the Los Angeles region.
"We strive to fulfill our purpose, to Feed the Human Spirit, every day, and especially when disaster strikes," said Rodney McMullen, chairman and CEO of Kroger. "Our associates are always among the first to support our communities during natural disasters, and the situation in southern California is no different. I'm so proud of how quickly our teams have worked to reopen stores that were temporarily closed during the unfolding wildfire situation to ensure we're a resource for customers who need fresh food, pantry staples and necessities like water and ice. Our hearts are with everyone who is impacted by this tragedy—especially our team of associates and their extended families—and we are grateful to the first responders working so hard to protect our communities."
[Read more: Retailers provide support following Hurricanes Helene, Milton]
The Kroger Family of Companies is raising $1 million to support disaster relief and recovery, including $500,000 in company matching funds for donations from customers to benefit the American Red Cross and local Feeding America-affiliated food banks.
Kroger said it is making it easy for customers in several divisions to support relief efforts by providing an option to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar at checkout to benefit the Red Cross. Customers also are invited to donate online if their stores do not provide an option at checkout.
In addition to funds, Kroger is delivering food, water and supplies to local fire departments and evacuation centers. With the fires still raging, Ralphs and Food4Less will continue to work with law enforcement, emergency responders and community partners to provide additional aid without disrupting their fire containment efforts.
To support the California National Guard being deployed to aid in disaster relief, the United Service Organizations is sending a Kroger + USO Mobile Canteen to Los Alamitos, CA, to feed and support military first responders. Kroger is providing gift cards to the USO to help provide needed food, water and supplies for the Mobile Canteen.
[Read more: Retailers offer support to communities impacted by hurricanes]
Every year, The Kroger Co. Foundation directs $500,000 in funding to the American Red Cross through its Annual Disaster Giving Program to help the organization prepare for and respond to disasters across the United States.
CVS Health is actively supporting its customers, members, provider partners and colleagues as they respond to the California wildfires. The company said it prioritizes the health and safety of impacted communities and is dedicated to providing access to the products and services they need.
CVS Pharmacy stores are reopening as it is safe to do so. If a store has not yet reopened, the pharmacy’s phone lines will be rerouted to a nearby open CVS Pharmacy to help patients access their prescriptions. Patients with a scheduled vaccination will be notified of any changes to their appointment by email or text message. Stores are also receiving additional supplies of essential and emergency items.
CVS Caremark, the company’s pharmacy benefit manager, is enabling pharmacy claims for one-time emergency refills of a 30-day supply of medication for plan members in impacted areas.
[Read more: Walmart, Sam’s Club, Walmart Foundation commit $10M to Hurricane Helene relief efforts]
CVS Specialty patients who are within the emergency area and are taking specialty medications will be contacted to discuss alternate delivery arrangements, if needed. CVS Specialty is actively reaching out to patients in emergency-affected areas who need to schedule or reschedule their orders. Order deliveries are being redirected to patients’ temporary addresses as needed. Outreach efforts will continue to ensure all patients have access to the medications they require.
Aetna clinical response teams have expanded their engagement with Medicare and Commercial members in potentially impacted areas to ensure member safety and access to emergency services.
Aetna members affected by these wildfires also can seek emergency care anywhere, as needed. Aetna will monitor the impact the wildfires have on its network doctors, hospitals and other healthcare providers and will modify its policies as necessary for providers and members to enable access to care. Providers and members can contact customer service with any questions.
Additionally, Aetna is liberalizing its Resources For Living services to ensure individuals and organizations have access to care regardless of whether it is part of their existing benefits. Liberalized services include in-the-moment mental health phone support, a dedicated crisis support website and community resource information. Individuals and organizations who do not have RFL can call 1-833-327-AETNA, and those with RFL should contact their designated RFL number.
CVS Health is contacting colleagues who are in impacted areas to confirm they are safe and offer crisis support. Information about community resources and emotional support services is available through the company’s employee assistance program.
CVS Health also is working with disaster relief organizations to provide on-the-ground support for local communities.
DoorDash shared that it is providing $150,000 in DoorDash Community Credits to first responders and organizations on the ground. These gift cards will provide immediate support to those in local shelters who have been displaced from their homes and to the firefighters on the frontlines, enabling them to get food and other essential supplies immediately.
Local restaurants can apply for relief through DoorDash's Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund, which provides grants of $10,000 to small businesses who have been impacted by natural disasters. DoorDash also has allocated $150,000 of Disaster Relief Fund grants for restaurants specifically impacted by the Los Angeles fires. Small businesses can use these funds for structural repairs, supplies, payroll and more.
To learn more and apply, visit here.
A total of $250,000 is available for Dasher Relief Fund grants specific to the Los Angeles wildfires. Eligible Dashers who have been impacted by the fires, have completed at least 10,000 lifetime deliveries, and have completed at least one delivery in the past 28 days can apply for an emergency assistance grant of up to $1,000 through the Dasher Disaster Relief Fund. To learn more and apply, visit here.
In addition, DoorDash said it knows that Dashers work hard to achieve their rewards status, and the company wants to make sure that Dashers don’t lose that status as a result of these fires. DoorDash has granted an initial two-week extension to all active platinum Dashers in the area, and will continue to evaluate further extensions based on the conditions on the ground.
DoorDash also said it is offering $50,000 in donated deliveries to any food bank, food pantry, or other anti-hunger community organization through DoorDash’s Project DASH. These deliveries will help ensure recently displaced people can get groceries, meals and essential items sent directly to them, wherever they’re seeking refuge.
DoorDash also said it is waiving its fees on orders placed in Los Angeles County and donating $1 to World Central Kitchen for every order placed in the area, up to $1 million.
“By waiving our fees on all orders in Los Angeles Country—from local restaurants, to groceries and essentials like baby food, pet supplies and toiletries—we hope that we can help getting through this next chapter even a fraction easier,” the company said.
World Central Kitchen has mobilized their relief teams to provide hot meals to first responders and families impacted by the wildfires, and is partnering with them to donate $1 for every delivery made in Los Angeles County—up to 1 million.
SpartanNash announced its latest disaster relief efforts to support residents of Greater Los Angeles affected by the devastating wildfires. As part of its response, SpartanNash has already donated six truckloads of essential products, including bottled water, ready-to-eat snacks and personal hygiene items, to trusted disaster relief partners Convoy of Hope and Global Empowerment Mission. In addition to these immediate donations, the SpartanNash Foundation is launching an in-store and online fundraising campaign to benefit the American Red Cross. All funds raised will go directly toward supporting people affected by the 2025 California wildfires.
"When disaster strikes, we feel a deep responsibility to help. Having lived in Los Angeles myself for many years, I share in the grief being felt by so many right now. SpartanNash's resources and network allow us to provide immediate support, and it's our calling to do whatever we can to help those affected begin to rebuild their lives," said SpartanNash CEO Tony Sarsam.
Store guests at Family Fare, Martin's Super Markets, D&W Fresh Market, Metcalfe's Market and company-operated fuel centers can contribute by donating $1, $5, $10, $25 or $50 at checkout or online at shopfamilyfare.com. The fundraiser will run through Jan. 27.
"The American Red Cross is on the ground helping those impacted by the devastating wildfires in California," said Anne McKeough, chief development officer at the American Red Cross. "We are so grateful for partners like SpartanNash as we work together to provide relief and hope for communities in the wake of this heartbreaking disaster."
SpartanNash shared that its corporate giving strategy is anchored in its pillars of hunger, heroes and hope. The company is a long-time partner in disaster relief efforts, consistently stepping up to provide aid in times of need. Additionally, SpartanNash will host its annual Helping Hands Day on April 15, in Grand Rapids, where more than 700 volunteers will assemble 500,000 meals and 5,000 personal hygiene kits for disaster victims.
Walmart, Sam’s Club and the Walmart Foundation are committing $2.5 million to support relief efforts, including donations of food, water, essential products and grants.
Over the past several days, Walmart stores in Southern California have donated food, water and gift cards to help first responders and shelters support people in need.
The company said it is also working with nonprofits and suppliers to bring resources into communities, such as free meals.
"Throughout the response, we'll continue looking for ways to support our associates, customers, members and their families," the company said.
Walgreens announced that the Walgreens Foundation will collect donations in its stores nationwide. Any Walgreens customer that wishes to donate can do so during checkout at any Walgreens or Duane Reade retail location.
The Walgreens Foundation will focus on providing funding, supplies and products to local and state organizations that are working on the ground to aid in the response and supporting people who are dealing with displacement and loss. Specifically, support from the Foundation will focus on non-profit organizations committed to aiding:
The near-term and immediate needs of those impacted by the wildfires, with support to organizations such as the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank and other charities providing shelter, food and other supplies.
Firefighters and first responders, who are working 24/7 in unimaginable conditions to contain the fires, with support to groups like the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation.
Children whose education has been disrupted, driving resources to the Los Angeles Unified School District Education Foundation Emergency Relief Fund, which offers, among other things, resources for students at impacted schools to ensure continuity of learning to the greatest extent possible.
Recovery groups that offer direct services, grants and other resources to aid in short- and long-term recovery efforts, including organizations such as the California Fire Foundation Wildfire and Disaster Relief Fund and the California Community Foundation Wildlife Recovery Fund, among others.
Other local and community organizations with funding and product donations such as water, hygiene/personal care items, nonperishable food items and other consumer goods.
Walgreens also is contributing supplies and through a separate fund, supporting team members who have been forced from their homes and are facing their own losses.
Operationally, Walgreens has positioned resources and is actively deploying them as needed. For anyone who is unable to retrieve their medications, Walgreens 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.
Walgreens is providing free same-day prescription delivery to patients in the Los Angeles area through Feb. 9.
Patients also can 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, Patient Care Advocate teams are reaching out to discuss alternate delivery arrangements, if needed, to ensure ongoing access to care and treatment.
Gopuff said it is teaming up with Tom Brady to offer free water to residents in the Los Angeles area.
Customers in the Greater Los Angeles area — or anyone interested in sending water to loved ones in the area — can use code CAStrong at checkout on Gopuff to get free water (up to $10 on still water per order) and 30% off food, batteries and personal hygiene products on the Gopuff CA Strong page, delivered for free. See here for more information.
“Our hearts are with the thousands and thousands of people impacted by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles,” said Yakir Gola, Gopuff co-founder and co-CEO. “We are extremely grateful for first responders’ round-the-clock efforts to keep our communities safe and for our team leaders’ tireless efforts to support our employees in the area. To do our part to support first responders and anyone who’s impacted locally, we’ve partnered with Tom Brady to give away $250K worth of water to those in the LA area and will continue to monitor the situation and support however we can.”
Gopuff said it has been and will continue to provide water, snacks and essentials to employees and delivery partners in the area and, where needed, are temporarily closing stores to ensure the safety of all its people.
Last week, Gopuff also announced a donation of $150,000 worth of essential products, including water and food, to first responders and victims of the fires. "As our team and community’s needs evolve over the course of the coming days, Gopuff remains committed to providing support however we can," the company said.
This article has been updated.