AT&T* today announced a $100,000 donation to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief to support storm relief efforts across Arkansas. The funds will be presented to the American Red Cross of Greater Arkansas to help restoration and relief efforts that will benefit victims of the severe weather that affected numerous communities across the state. This contribution is part of a $500,000 commitment from AT&T in support of those affected by the storms across several southern states. The announcement was made today by Randall Stephenson, AT&T chairman and chief executive officer, at AT&T’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders in Little Rock.
"Arkansans are accustomed to helping their neighbors when the need arises, and AT&T has a long history of being a good neighbor,” said Ed Drilling, president of AT&T Arkansas. "Our thoughts are with the many families who are affected by the recent tornadoes and flooding, and we are pleased to support the American Red Cross as it responds to this crisis in our state.”
The funds will be used by Red Cross disaster workers to provide food, shelter, emotional assistance and basic supplies to individuals and families affected by recent storms and tornadoes. “We are incredibly grateful for AT&T’s generous donation and concern for the recovery of those affected by this series of devastating weather,” said Candace A. Carey, American Red Cross Regional CEO. “We rely on the generosity of the public and our corporate partners such as AT&T to fund our mission of providing disaster relief.”
Donations can be made to American Red Cross Disaster Relief at www.redcross.org or to the American Red Cross of Greater Arkansas at www.arkansasredcross.org. These funds have been and will be used for disaster response efforts statewide. In addition to response in Arkansas, the American Red Cross is providing care to people across more than half the country as a record tornado season continues to devastate communities and floods cause serious affects in numerous areas of the country, including Arkansas.
The Arkansas chapter of the AT&T Pioneers, an employee and retiree group who volunteers in the communities in which they live and work, created a matching gift program to help assist with raising funds for storm relief. The Chapter will match funds donated by fellow employees and Pioneers up to $5,000 and all funds will go to the American Red Cross.
Additional Restoration and Relief Assistance
AT&T has also responded to local needs in impacted communities through:
- bringing in portable generators from other states to keep cell sites up and running while power is being restored.
- enlisting additional support from AT&T employees, technicians and vendors from other states, including Texas, Oklahoma and Missouri, to help expedite relief efforts.
- donating wireless phones and service to support relief efforts of emergency responders in Vilonia, Arkansas.
- adding 200 rollover minutes for the next three billing cycles to Vilonia and Hot Springs Village area wireless customers.
- deploying a COW, cell on wheels, in Hot Springs Village to provide wireless coverage for the community and emergency responders.
