Our founder, George Jenkins, was a firm believer in the difference made when people and companies give back to their communities. And in the wake of the hurricanes of 2017, there was no question of whether we would help; that was definite. The question was, how would we help?
Hope didn’t stop at our stores
Publix Super Markets Charities
As a charitable organization, Publix Super Markets Charities is responsible for donating funds to causes both big and small. When natural disasters strike, they step up to the plate by providing financial contributions.
After Hurricane Harvey hit Texas, Publix Super Markets Charities donated $250,000 to the American Red Cross, and a day and a half after Irma passed through, Publix Charities pledged in total $1 million to the American Red Cross and United Way to support local relief efforts. Publix Charities’ donations to American Red Cross were designated to their Hurricanes of 2017 fund, benefiting those impacted by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Maria, Nate and any later 2017 named storms.
“Helping our communities is why Publix Super Markets Charities exists,” said Executive Director Kelly Williams-Puccio. “It’s our privilege to provide assistance — especially in times of need.”
Publix
In addition to Publix Super Markets Charities’ efforts, Publix established a register program to offer customers and associates a way to directly assist those in need by donating as they checked out. Our associates and customers chipped in to support those affected by the recent hurricanes by contributing nearly $3 million to the American Red Cross.
It takes a team
But relief efforts didn’t stop with a donation. Through deep coordination between Publix, Publix Super Markets Charities and the United Way, many associates with immediate shelter, food or gas needs received assistance. As associate relations learned of needs through managers, associate services took time to speak with those associates on the phone and provided guidance about help available to them.
“Talking directly to affected associates was humbling,” said Manager of Associate Services Greta Dupuy. “The gratitude displayed was truly amazing. Several of the associates we contacted told us this level of caring is why they work at Publix.”
