Donations will support local relief efforts
across Florida and North Carolina through the United Way's
Disaster Relief Fund
COLUMBUS,
Ohio, Oct. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Big Lots
Foundation is donating $200,000 to
support relief and recovery efforts in communities impacted by
Hurricanes Helene and Milton through the United Way as it responds
to critical needs including emergency shelter, food and water, as
well as long-term rebuilding and recovery efforts.
The United Way will bring together corporate
partners, its network and other nonprofits through Hurricane Helene
and Hurricane Milton Disaster Relief and Recovery Funds to assist
those affected. United Way will continue to work closely with their
emergency operation centers and other nonprofits to meet immediate
needs and long-term rebuilding efforts.
"We are incredibly grateful to the United Way for
their unwavering dedication in providing essential support and
services to communities affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton,
where many of our stores, associates, and loyal customers are
impacted," said Bruce Thorn,
president and CEO of Big Lots. "The United Way's direct assistance
is instrumental in helping these communities recover and rebuild in
the aftermath of these devastating hurricanes."
Administered by the Columbus Partnership, the Big
Lots Foundation is a nonprofit that is funded through the support
and generosity of partners, associates and customers through
point-of-sale campaigns and other fundraising efforts held
throughout the year.
"Donations play a critical role in hurricane
recovery efforts, providing the necessary resources to rebuild
communities and restore hope," said Brittany Pruitt Fletcher, President & CEO of
United Way of North Carolina.
"Contributions allow us to respond swiftly, ensuring that families
and businesses affected have access to shelter, food, and essential
services.
In addition, Big Lots is collaborating with its
local store leaders to expedite financial assistance via the Big
Lots Employee Assistance Fund (BLEAF). This fund, established in
2017, is financed through donations from associates and has
provided more than $2.3 million in
support to those facing personal hardships.
If you or someone you know needs expert,
compassionate assistance in finding non-emergency resources, call
211 or visit 211.org. This essential service connects people
to crucial non-emergency services in their local community,
including food, shelter, cleanup support and more.
About Big Lots
Big Lots is one of the nation's largest closeout
retailers focused on extreme value. The Company is dedicated to
being the big difference for a better life by delivering bargains
to brag about on everything for the home, including furniture,
décor, pantry and more. It fulfills its mission to help customers
"Live BIG and Save LOTS" with sourcing strategies to grow extreme
bargains through closeouts, liquidations, overstocks, private
labels, and value-engineered products. The Big Lots Foundation,
together with the Company's customers, associates, and vendors, has
delivered more than $176 million of
philanthropic support to critical needs in hunger, housing,
healthcare, and education. For more information, to shop online, or
to find a store near you, please visit biglots.com.
About the United Way
United Way mobilizes communities to action so all
can thrive. True to our founding spirit, where there is a need in
our communities, there is a United Way. We bring a comprehensive
approach to every challenge, actively listening and responding to
local needs. Our reach across tens of thousands of communities
means that we can share innovations and scale impact to improve
lives around the world. Learn more
at UnitedWay.org.
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SOURCE Big Lots, Inc.
