NASHVILLE — Bridgestone Corp. and Bridgestone Americas Inc. are donating $1 million to the American Red Cross in the aftermath of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.
The funds are to support relief and recovery efforts in Texas, Louisiana, Florida, South Carolina, Georgia and other places damaged by the storms, Bridgestone said in a Sept. 15 press release.
"We are proud to employ some of our strengths to support the affected communities and help rebuild lives and livelihoods," said Christine Karbowiak, chief administrative officer for Bridgestone Americas.
Bridgestone Americas also is redirecting a portion of its annual Nashville Area United Way funds to aid United Way relief efforts in Texas, according to the press release.
Hundreds of Bridgestone employees either lost their homes or suffered home damage because of the storms, the company said.
Because of this, the Bridgestone Americas Internal Assistance Funds, built through annual employee giving, have allocated more than $400,000 to help with temporary housing, food, water, building supplies and other vital necessities, it said.
To date, more than 200 Bridgestone workers have received assistance through the funds, it said.
Bridgestone has approximately 6,000 employees in manufacturing facilities, distribution centers and more than 500 retail stores in the affected states, according to the company.