Southwest Airlines delivers comfort kits to Americans displaced by disasters

by PegNews wire

DALLAS — Southwest Airlines employees have partnered with the American Red Cross to show their "LUV" to 10,000 people displaced by disasters across the nation. In an unprecedented show of support, the Dallas-based air carrier, currently headquartered at Love Field, encouraged employees to "Share the Spirit" by collecting, assembling, and distributing "comfort kits" to Red Cross chapters in all 68 cities the airline serves.

Comfort kits are an essential part of a Red Cross disaster response, particularly those affected by a home fire, the most common type of disaster the Red Cross responds to on a daily basis.

"The Red Cross is grateful to the employees at Southwest Airlines for donating essential items that will help individuals affected by disasters," says Joe Becker, senior vice president, Disaster Services, American Red Cross. "Often when we arrive on the scene of a disaster, we're met by people who have nothing left except what they wore to bed. Being able to provide for their most basic and immediate needs, will truly bring comfort to the 10,000 people who receive these kits."

The white bags marked with the Red Cross logo contain personal hygiene supplies such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, combs, razors, and more. The Red Cross provides kits to every family affected by a home fire and they are often made available to people at Red Cross shelters.

Southwest Airlines will be assembling and delivering the kits to Red Cross chapters the week of October 5-9, 2009.

"Southwest Airlines employees work hard every day to do the right thing, share their spirit, and give generously of their time and their hearts," said Linda Rutherford, vice president of communication and strategic outreach for Southwest Airlines. "We value our partnership with the Red Cross, and we know the vital role the Red Cross plays in helping people recover from disasters. We are honored to support their efforts."

Source: American Red Cross