Each month, the Red Cross responds to more than 5,000 disasters around the country. It’s staggering to think of how many people are impacted, and, more importantly, how many people are supported every year by this organization.

At Smucker, we have seen firsthand how critical the Red Cross is in times of tragedy and it has inspired our commitment to support this organization and its important work.

What makes the Red Cross truly special is that it empathizes and builds its support with a unique understanding of the emotions that are experienced in times of tragedy. The organization understands how critical it is to care for each individual and address their specific needs.  They have the expertise and capability to quickly rally on-the-ground resources to address immediate needs for food, shelter and emotional comfort during times of disaster, whether that’s a personal disaster like a family experiencing a home fire or a whole community facing the aftermath of a natural disaster.

No one can fully make up for a devastating loss. But that doesn’t mean we can’t help with what comes next – the minutes, hours, and days following a tragedy – to help put lives back together and to reassure those who are in need. And that’s where the Red Cross comes in – with support that ranges from small, personal touches (like cups of coffee for weary parents and gifts for small children) to the significant work of rebuilding following catastrophic loss.

Our relationship with the Red Cross is a particular source of pride at Smucker.

In 2017, we became a Red Cross Disaster Responder. In this role we proudly supported the Red Cross and its work to aid those impacted by major events. We then became an Annual Disaster Giving Program supporter in 2019.

With this new level of support, we work with the Red Cross to help ensure the organization is ready to support as soon as tragedy strikes. This support also ensures the Red Cross can remain on hand to assist people as they recover following disaster.

The support the Red Cross offers is much more than the aid they provide. Beyond the important personal comforts that bring some sense of normalcy and the critical financial support, the Red Cross offers hope at a time when most feel hopeless. They remind those impacted by tragedy that they will rebuild, they will recover.

COVID-19 has not changed the mission of the Red Cross as the organization and its volunteers are consistently answering the call. In addition to providing direct disaster relief following the adoption of new protocols to keep everyone safe, the Red Cross is also providing some virtual assistance, including offering new mental health resources.

We are honored to play a role in this important work and to support this incredible organization.