Sonoco Increases Donation to American Red Cross

Sonoco, Hartsville, S.C., USA, is contributing an additional $25,000 to the America Red Cross to fund relief and recovery efforts following storms that devastated dozens of Alabama communities on April 27 and to support efforts by the Pee Dee Chapter of the American Red Cross in South Carolina to respond to fires that have impacted nearly 400 residents during 2011.

"There has been a tremendous amount of tragedy throughout the Southeast U.S. by storms and fires. Sonoco was lucky that our nailed wood/plywood reel operations in Hartselle, Ala., were not significantly impacted by the April 27 storms, but some of our employees and their families and friends were impacted," said Jack Sanders, president and COO.

"The Pee Dee Chapter of the Red Cross has responded to 114 fires, helping nearly 320 local residents. In addition, they played a crucial role during the February 14 fertilizer plant fire in Hartsville, opening a shelter that provided temporary housing and meals for nearly 75 residents. In addition, the chapter has responded to storms in Columbia, S.C., Raleigh, N.C., and Alabama. The Red Cross is always there for those in need and we are increasing our funding to provide additional assistance," added Sanders.

Earlier in 2011 Sonoco provided $10,000 to support emergency response following an earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand, and $50,000 for relief and recovery efforts following the Japanese earthquake and tsunami.

TAPPI
http://www.tappi.org/