Large corporations like Walmart and HEB reacted quickly to provide aid to flood victims

Mark Perry:
Private sector to the rescue in Texas: Never underestimate the power of the private sector to rise up to any challenge

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2. Also from IBD, here are examples of compassionate activities from the private business sector:


  • Gallery Furniture, a Houston-based chain store, opened two of its nearby locations to residents seeking shelter.
  • HEB Grocery, which has more than 150 stores in Texas, sent its mobile kitchens to Houston to provide meals, pharmacy services, and ATMs.
  • Wal-Mart is delivering nearly 800 truckloads of supplies to the region. It says it plans to send another 1,700 next week.
  • KL Outdoor in Michigan is paying the shipping costs to send 2,000 kayaks to the region. Bass Pro is providing 80 boats.
  • Duracell is sending out free batteries to anyone impacted by the storm.
  • Anheuser-Busch InBev has sent more than 155,000 cans of drinking water.
  • Airbnb activated its disaster response program, called “Urgent Accommodations,” which lets evacuees find lodging, with all service fees waived. Those with rooms to spare can use Airbnb to offer their space for free.
  • Mobile carriers are issuing waivers and credits to customers in the area.
  • The owner of the Kansas-based Vapebar sent a truck load of diapers, nonperishable food, telling a local news channel that ” a lot of bad things are happening down there right now and we need to help them out.”
  • Volunteer Houston launched the Virtual Volunteer Reception Center on Monday, which lets those who want to help get matched with relief organizations and agencies.
  • A multitude of businesses are donating large sums of money for relief efforts, including Aetna, Amazon, Boeing, Caterpillar, Wells Fargo, Home Depot, Coca-Cola, Lowe’s.
  • Waffle House has become an indicator of how bad a weather disaster is because the restaurant chain is so determined to keep operating in the worst conditions.

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There is much more.

The big box home improvement stores are also gearing up for the recovery effort.  This looks like an all hands on deck operation for companies as well as government services.

I should also note that the exhausted Houston Police force is getting relief from a caravan of officers from San Antonio and Fort Worth and some smaller cities have sent half their law enforcement staff to the flood area.

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