CarMax announces $450,000 contribution to the American Red Cross Disaster Responder Program

CarMax, the nation’s largest retailer of used vehicles and headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, has announced a commitment of $450,000 over two years to the American Red Cross.

This donation will help the Red Cross ensure an immediate response to meet the needs of those affected by disasters of all sizes, at no cost and regardless of income.  In addition to providing financial support, CarMax will provide support to the Red Cross through blood drives and volunteer team builders with The CarMax Foundation’s Volunteer Team Builder program.

“When disasters occur in the communities where CarMax associates live and work, they often seek ways to provide support. In response to their interests, CarMax has pledged support to the American Red Cross as a Disaster Responder Member,” said Craig Cronheim, vice president of human resources and loss prevention at CarMax.

Every year, the victims of nearly 66,000 disasters rely on the Red Cross for immediate help. When a disaster strikes, the Red Cross provides shelter, food, health and mental health services to help families get back on their feet.

“Every eight minutes, the Red Cross responds to a fire or disaster,” said Reggie Gordon, chief executive officer of the American Red Cross Virginia Region. “Our partnership with CarMax will help assist fellow Virginians and Americans across the country who are impacted by such tragedies and need immediate support. We are grateful to partner with CarMax, an engaged corporate citizen headquartered right here in Virginia.”

The Red Cross also helps military members and veterans and their families prepare for and cope with the challenges of military service. Each year the Red Cross provides more than 352,000 services to military members, veterans and civilians. This includes emergency communications and training along with support to wounded warriors and veterans. Recently, a CarMax team assembled 1,000 comfort care kits for the military and veterans. This includes distribution to veterans at McGuire Virginia Veterans Hospital.