In the deadly wake of Hurricane Katrina, a Category 4 system that stormed ashore August 29 east of New Orleans LA, relief efforts began trying to ease some of the devastation to lives and property.
In Harrison County MS, which includes Gulfport and Biloxi, the death toll from Katrina was reported to be as high as 80.
Wal-Mart Stores Inc has announced a donation of $1 million to The Salvation Army to provide early support for upcoming disaster relief assistance.
Katrina caused Bentonville AR-based Wal-Mart to close 123, or 3.3%, of its stores and two of its distribution centers, mostly due to power outages.
Wal-Mart also is encouraging the public to donate to emergency relief efforts through its 3,800 stores and clubs and through its web sites, including www.walmart.com.
Winn-Dixie Stores announced that customers all across the Southeast can help those affected by Katrina by simply donating at checkout whenever they shop.
Jacksonville FL-based Winn-Dixie is implementing its “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” program in all its stores as a way to assist the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund to benefit storm victims. The program, which began August 30, lets customers donate directly to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund by simply telling the cashier how much they want to add to their total bill.
