CAMP HILL, Pa. — The Rite Aid Foundation has committed $250,000 to the American Red Cross to support wildfire relief efforts in California, Oregon and Washington, where devastating fires have consumed millions of acres, forced hundreds of thousands of people from their homes and created tremendous demand for resources needed for recovery.

The funding will help the Red Cross provide basic needs such as food, water and shelter to evacuees and support recovery efforts.

Threatening areas as large as some small U.S. states, the wildfires have stretched response efforts, with five of the largest blazes in California history burning at the same time and flames scorching areas of the Pacific Northwest.

Rite Aid has more than 700 stores, three distribution centers, an ice cream factory and Elixir locations, including a call center and clinical operations, in California, Oregon and Washington, including about 150 store locations in areas affected by the wildfires.

“Our neighbors, families, associates and customers are bearing the tragic implications of these devastating wildfires,” said Jessica Kazmaier, president of The Rite Aid Foundation’s Board of Directors and executive vice president, chief human resources officer at Rite Aid. “We extend our deepest sympathy to those who have been affected and are humbled to support our neighborhoods during this time of need.”

Evacuees are depending upon the Red Cross for meals, emergency lodging and relief supplies such as cots, and blankets, plus personal protective gear, masks and hand sanitizer due to COVID-19.

“The Red Cross is working around the clock to help hundreds of thousands of people forced to evacuate from their homes due to the western wildfires. We have taken extra safety precautions due to the pandemic to ensure people feel safe as we support the communities impacted by the wildfires,” said Don Herring, chief development officer at the American Red Cross. “We are extremely grateful for The Rite Aid Foundation’s support, which allows us to provide shelter, food and comfort to help people in need.”

To donate online toward wildfire relief, visit www.redcross.org/donate. Those interested can also call 800-RED CROSS or text the words WILDFIRES to 90999 to make a $10 donation. For California Wildfires donors can also text the word CAWILDFIRES to 90999 to make a $10 donation.