CHICAGO, Sept. 08, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As a member of the Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP), Boise Paper is a corporate leader who makes a difference by pre-investing in the vital work of the American Red Cross. Through a unique partnership, Boise Paper donates a majority of the office paper the Red Cross uses annually, helping reduce a large administrative expense and allowing the Red Cross to invest more funds in critical humanitarian needs.
Donations from ADGP members, like Boise Paper, enabled the Red Cross to be among the first responders on the ground, preparing for the large response effort as Hurricane Harvey bore down on Texas and Louisiana. Contributions from ADGP members power the ability of the Red Cross to provide compassionate care to those in need – from providing relief and support to those in crisis, to helping people be prepared to respond in emergencies.
“We are so grateful to Boise Paper for their ongoing support of our operations through their in-kind donation,” said Don Herring, Red Cross chief development officer. “Generous donations from ADGP members are essential to our ability to fulfill the mission of the Red Cross.”
As of September 5, in response to Hurricane Harvey, the Red Cross has mobilized more than 3,100 trained Red Cross disaster relief workers to support response efforts with another 420 on the way, and more than 32,000 people have sought refuge in hundreds of Red Cross and partner shelters in Texas and Louisiana. More than 80 tractor-trailer loads of cots, blankets, ready-to-eat meals, comfort kits, kitchen supplies and cleaning supplies are now on the ground. The Red Cross has shelter supplies for more than 85,000 people. Nearly half of its emergency response fleet – 215 Emergency Response Vehicles – have been activated for the operation.
The Red Cross is also working in close collaboration with government officials and community partners to coordinate ongoing response efforts.
“We’ve seen firsthand the difference an immediate response from the Red Cross makes in local communities when disasters like Hurricane Harvey occur,” said Paul LeBlanc, vice president of Boise Paper, a division of Packaging Corporation of America. “We know our donation helps the Red Cross prepare ahead of time, to ensure they have the resources they need to provide help to our friends and neighbors as soon as possible.”
For more information about ways your organization can help the Red Cross prepare for disasters before they strike, go to www.redcross.org/adgp.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
About Boise Paper:
Boise Paper is a division of Packaging Corporation of America, headquartered in Lake Forest, IL. Boise Paper manufactures a full line of quality papers including imaging papers for the office and home, printing and converting papers, and papers used in packaging, such as label and release papers. Through their Paper with Purpose™ promise, they commit to delivering excellent value while sustaining environmental, economic, and social resources for future generations. Keep current with news and events at www.BoisePaper.com.