Bridgestone steps up to aid Katrina victims

The Bridgestone Global Group of Companies donated more than $1 million to the American Red Cross Hurricane Katrina response, and more than 2,200 company-owned retail stores across the United States are letting their customers lend a helping hand.

Bridgestone Corp (BSJ) donated $900,000, and Bridgestone Americas Holding Inc (BSAH), the United States subsidiary of BSJ, contributed $100,000. Firestone Polymers Co, an operating unit of BSAH that has a plant in Lake Charles LA, donated $10,000 along with a corporate match of up to $10,000 for company teammate contributions.

Consumers also can contribute to relief efforts at any of the more than 2,200 Firestone Complete Auto Care, TiresPlus, ExpertTire, and GCR Tire Centers locations, which have been designated Red Cross official cash donation sites.