• by Danielle Oster , October 4, 2024

With the fallout and recovery from Hurricane Helene across much of the southeastern United States dominating news cycles, a number of large companies have stepped up to pledge financial relief, and other actions, to aid in disaster relief efforts.

Home Depot and Lowe’s – two home improvement megaliths headquartered in impacted areas – made some of the most sizable commitments, but they’re hardly alone. Here’s more:

Anheuser-Busch

Through its partnership with the American Red Cross and wholesale partners, Anheuser-Busch claims it has delivered more than 400,000 cans of emergency drinking water to areas impacted by the hurricane so far. The company is providing updates on its disaster relief efforts on a dedicated webpage.

ComcastNBCUniversal

The international telecommunications and media conglomerate announced a pledge of  $1 million to Hurricane Helene relief efforts in the region. In practice, this entails $500,000 in cash, and $500,000 in donated advertising airtime for PSA messages in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

It’s also providing a map of public Xfinity WiFi hotspots -- indoor and outdoor locations within areas such as businesses, parks, and shopping districts -- at Finder.wifi.xfinity.com.

Honda

Honda said it is donating $500,000 to the American Red Cross, to help with needed disaster relief funds for those impacted by the hurricane.

Honda is also encouraging employees to participate in disaster relief efforts, pledging to match eligible employee donations up to $1,000; and provide up to $200 in grants to eligible organizations when employees volunteer their time to relief efforts.

Home Depot

Home Depot announced it is committing “up to $2 million” in financial aid supporting disaster relief efforts, through donations to the following nonprofit partners: Convoy of Hope, Operation Blessing, World Central Kitchen, Team Rubicon, Inspiritus, and ToolBank Disaster Services.

Additionally, the company said its Team Depot associate volunteer force is donating relief supplies to nonprofit organizations, first responders, and government agencies working to provide disaster relief. It also said its volunteers would be on ground in the days and weeks to come to aid in local clean-up efforts in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida and Georgia.

Lowe’s

Lowe’s committed $2 million in disaster relief aid, through donations to nonprofit partners and first responders.

Additionally, Lowe’s hosted relief events at its stores this week -- distributing cleanup supplies across locations in over 25 communities in affected regions. The company says it’s also “working closely with first responders”  to distribute relief supplies and product donations like water, chainsaws, and generators to those impacted by the storm through its Lowe's Emergency Command Center.

The company also provided shower and laundry trailers, portable toilets and handwashing stations, to aid Lowe’s associates in areas of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina without water due to the storm. It's also providing meals, water, and gas to its associates, and is doubling its matching financial contributions for its Lowe's Employee Relief Fund – donating $2 for every $1 employees donate to the fund. Customers can also help by rounding up their purchases to donate to the Red Cross, through Nov. 3.

StarKist

The canned foods company, primarily known for its tuna, announced it is donating $250,000 worth of product to provide nourishment to those impacted by Hurricane Helene, through a partnership with Feed The Children. Products donated include the brand’s tuna pouches, chicken pouches, and tuna lunch kits.

Additionally, the company pledged to match employee financial donations to organizations providing disaster relief through its Matching Gifts Program.