Sanderson Farms Donates $25,000 to American Red Cross Louisiana Flood Relief
Sanderson Farms Donates $25,000 to American Red Cross Louisiana Flood Relief
HAMMOND, La. (Aug 26, 2016) – In the wake of disastrous flooding in Louisiana, the American Red Cross has recognized Sanderson Farms, Inc. for pledging $25,000 to help victims and the local community in Hammond, La. recover from the devastation. In addition to the monetary donation, the Sanderson Farms Hammond plant has also donated several truckloads of chicken, ice and boxes to various shelter sites.
Sanderson Farms, Inc., a fully integrated poultry processing company headquartered in Laurel, Miss., opened its poultry complex in Hammond in 1974 and today employs approximately 580 Louisianans. The Sanderson Farms Hammond plant was forced to temporarily shut down and many of its employees have been directly affected and displaced by the disastrous weather and flooding, adding to the significance of this donation.
“Thousands of Louisianans have lost their homes and everything they own, and they need our help to rebuild and recover,” said Joshua Joachim, Regional Executive of the American Red Cross Louisiana Region. “We could not do it without the support of organizations like Sanderson Farms who are willing to lend a hand during a time of crisis. Sanderson Farms’ generous donation means so very much, as it will allow us to continue our mission to support communities and families in Louisiana impacted by these devastating floods. On behalf of the American Red Cross Louisiana Region and the residents of Hammond, we thank Sanderson Farms for their generosity and willingness to help during this difficult time in our community.”
“At Sanderson Farms, when our families and communities are impacted by crisis, it’s our responsibility to provide help and support as they get back on their feet again,” said Joe F. Sanderson, Jr., CEO and Chairman of the Board of Sanderson Farms. “We are humbled by the perseverance we’ve witnessed among the Louisiana residents and by those in the surrounding areas who have pitched in to help. This is a very difficult time, and we’ll continue to do all that we can to help them rebuild.”
“Many of our own employees and families were impacted by the flood, and we are so thankful for the help and resources that the American Red Cross has provided,” said Eric Erickson, Division Manager of Sanderson Farms Processing Division in Hammond, La. “Louisianans are resilient, and we know that in times of crisis, we must come together to help our neighbors rebuild. At Sanderson Farms, we believe in giving back to our community, and it’s the Sanderson Way. We’ll continue to do all that we can to take care of the families in Hammond and the surrounding areas who have been impacted by this disaster.”
From August 11-14, 2016, extreme rainfall from a tropical depression caused severe flooding and damaged an estimated 110,000 houses in what is being called the worst natural disaster in the United States since Hurricane Sandy in 2012. The Red Cross has estimated the disaster will cost at least $30 million – a number which may continue to grow as more is learned about the level of devastation.
For more information about Red Cross Relief efforts, visit www.redcross.org.
Joshua Joachim
504-620-3105
[email protected]
About 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 Sanderson Farms
Sanderson Farms, Inc., founded in 1947, is engaged in the production, processing, marketing and distribution of fresh and frozen chicken and other prepared food items. Employing more than 13,000 employees in operations spanning five states and 13 different cities, Sanderson Farms is the third largest poultry producer in the United States. As a company, Sanderson Farms is committed to adopting a fresh approach in everything that we do. Not only where products are concerned, but companywide as well. Though the company has grown in size, it still adheres to the same hometown values of honesty, integrity and innovation that were established when the Sanderson family founded the company back in 1947.
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