DEERFIELD, Ill. — In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, Walgreen Co. and the American Red Cross have raised more than $4 million through drug store customer donations to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund since Nov. 5.
Walgreens said Thursday that it implemented the fundraising program for its Walgreens and Duane Reade stores after Sandy struck the East Coast.
Customers were able to make contributions at checkout in any of the more than 8,000 Walgreens and Duane Reade stores nationwide by adding the donation in increments of $1, $2, $5 or $10 to their purchase amount.
"Hurricane Sandy resulted in so many people with needs. We’re very proud of the support Walgreens and Duane Reade customers showed and how that support will help those in need work through the many hardships they face," Mark Wagner, Walgreens’ president of operations and community management, said in a statement.
The customer fundraising initiative came in addition to Walgreens’ earlier $250,000 contribution to the American Red Cross.
"This is one of the biggest Red Cross relief operations in the past five years, and we are so grateful for the generosity of Walgreens and its customers in support of our work," stated Gail McGovern, president and chief executive officer of the Red Cross. "Sandy has impacted millions of people and the Red Cross will continue to help for weeks to come as families get back on their feet."
