In the wake of disastrous flooding in Louisiana, the American Red Cross has recognized Sanderson Farms for pledging $25,000 to help victims and the local community in Hammond, La., recover from the devastation. In addition to the monetary donation, the Sanderson Farms Hammond plant has also donated several truckloads of chicken, ice and boxes to various shelter sites.
Sanderson Farms is a fully integrated poultry processing company headquartered in Laurel, Miss., and employs approximately 580 Louisianans. The Sanderson Farms Hammond plant was forced to temporarily shut down and many of its employees have been directly affected and displaced by the disastrous weather and flooding, adding to the significance of this donation.
“Thousands of Louisianans have lost their homes and everything they own, and they need our help to rebuild and recover,” said Joshua Joachim, Regional Executive of the American Red Cross Louisiana Region. “We could not do it without the support of organizations like Sanderson Farms who are willing to lend a hand during a time of crisis. Sanderson Farms’ generous donation means so very much, as it will allow us to continue our mission to support communities and families in Louisiana impacted by these devastating floods. On behalf of the American Red Cross Louisiana Region and the residents of Hammond, we thank Sanderson Farms for their generosity and willingness to help during this difficult time in our community.”
“At Sanderson Farms, when our families and communities are impacted by crisis, it’s our responsibility to provide help and support as they get back on their feet again,” said Joe F. Sanderson, Jr., CEO and Chairman of the Board of Sanderson Farms. “We are humbled by the perseverance we’ve witnessed among the Louisiana residents and by those in the surrounding areas who have pitched in to help. This is a very difficult time, and we’ll continue to do all that we can to help them rebuild.”
“Many of our own employees and families were impacted by the flood, and we are so thankful for the help and resources that the American Red Cross has provided,” said Eric Erickson, Division Manager of Sanderson Farms Processing Division in Hammond. “Louisianans are resilient, and we know that in times of crisis, we must come together to help our neighbors rebuild. At Sanderson Farms, we believe in giving back to our community. We’ll continue to do all that we can to take care of the families in Hammond and the surrounding areas who have been impacted by this disaster.”
From Aug. 11-14, extreme rainfall from a tropical depression caused severe flooding and damaged an estimated 110,000 houses in what is being called the worst natural disaster in the United States since Hurricane Sandy in 2012. The Red Cross has estimated the disaster will cost at least $30 million – a number which may continue to grow as more is learned about the level of devastation.
For more information about Red Cross Relief efforts, visit www.redcross.org.
