Smith's teams with Red Cross in response to Haitian earthquake

Smith's Food & Drug Stores in Nevada have teamed up with the American Red Cross Northern Nevada Chapter to accept donations for international relief in response to the earthquake in Haiti.

Through Jan. 30, customers of Smith's Food & Drug can make a donation to the American Red Cross by simply adding any amount to their checkout purchase. All funds collected will directly benefit Red Cross International relief efforts in Haiti to provide food, water, shelter, medical supplies and other assistance.

"The Red Cross is grateful for Smith's Food & Drug Stores' collaboration to help raise money for our disaster relief efforts," said Caroline Punches, executive director of the Northern Nevada chapter of the American Red Cross. "This is a particularly grave situation in Haiti and the Red Cross relies on the support from the American public and companies like Smith's to meet the need."

"Smith's feels a great commitment to the American Red Cross, a trusted organization made up of thousands of dedicated volunteers, who respond immediately to the emergency needs of our communities and abroad," said Marsha Gilford, Smith's vice president of public affairs.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters; teaches lifesaving skills; supplies blood to area hospitals; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. 

The Red Cross is a charitable organization and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission. 

For more information, visit www.nevada.redcross.org.

Smith's is a division of the Kroger Co., one of the nation's largest grocery retailers with headquarters in Cincinnati. From its division office in Salt Lake City, Smith's currently operates 132 stores in seven western states. Smith's charitable giving, in partnership with 13,000 total associates, generous customers and suppliers reached $5.7 million in cash and food products to local nonprofit organizations within Smith's operational areas in 2008.

For more information visit www.smithsfoodanddrug.com.