“During and after disasters, our customers count on us for batteries, flashlights, generators, safety equipment and more. Stricken neighbors also count on us… for the hot meal, place to rest and compassionate support that our Ready When the Time Comes™ volunteers generously provide.”
–James T. Ryan, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Grainger
Grainger is a leading broad line supplier of facilities maintenance products serving businesses and institutions in North America. Given the company’s extensive product mix, distribution capabilities, and culture of service, Grainger is a natural leader in disaster preparedness and response. Since 2001, Grainger has built a strategic partnership with the American Red Cross, providing nearly $10 million in funds, products, and volunteer resources to support relief efforts across the U.S. and internationally.
In 2006, Grainger became the national founding sponsor of the American Red Cross’ Ready When the Time Comes™ program. This program recruits volunteer teams from local businesses across the country and trains them to serve as Red Cross emergency response volunteers. More than 1,300 Grainger team members across the United States are trained and ready to provide assistance to those affected by disasters. Last year, volunteers responded to storms in Alabama, Missouri, North Carolina, North and South Dakota, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Maryland, and Puerto Rico. These volunteers assisted the Red Cross with call center support, shelter operations, disaster assessment, and mass feeding.
In addition to disaster preparedness and response, Grainger also supports technical education. As a leading distributor of industrial supplies, Grainger is committed to helping stem the growing shortage of skilled workers while supporting the increasing technical demands of today’s industrial workplace. Grainger’s customers rely on these skilled workers in order to keep their businesses running.
Grainger has given over $1 million in support of technical education through scholarships, classroom equipment, supplies, and funding for technical program start-ups. In 2006, Grainger and the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) created the Grainger Tools for Tomorrow® scholarship program. The scholarship recognizes outstanding students with $2,000 scholarship and a customized Westward® toolkit upon graduation. Since then, Grainger and AACC have awarded over 350 scholarships to students studying in a community college skilled trades program. Last year, Grainger appropriated $200,000 in scholarship awards for military veterans in recognition of their service to our country.
Shop at Grainger today to support these great programs, as well as your chosen We-Care.com cause!
