Companies that are Standing Out Amidst the COVID-19 Crisis

When the pandemic hit months ago, corporations from around the world were determined to help humankind. Large donations were made from both corporations and their associated foundations. Many who had the ability to change their manufacturing lines from making luxury goods to those that would be needed in the crisis, did so – as LVHM turned from a perfume manufacturer to a hand sanitizer producer and Christian Siriano’s staff pressed pause on making high-end fashion items to produce much-needed masks for New York City. As more challenges emerged, corporations provided technology devices, WIFI and other communication tools to assist those who will complete their school years at home.  

As the weeks in lockdown have continued and the death toll mounts, corporations have continued to give back. Here’s a look at some who have contributed to relief efforts  over the last few weeks. 

Anheuser-Busch
Anheuser-Busch updated all of its facilities to surpass national health guidelines including enforcing social spacing protocols, enhancing sanitization measures, and ensuring extensive screening measures. The company also temporarily increased pay for employees that work on the front lines of our business as well as paid leave. The team also produced and distributed bottles of hand sanitizer to accommodate the growing needs across the United States. The company also made a $5 million donation to the American Red Cross.

AT&T
If you’re ever been to a big outdoor festival or concert, you may have spotted one of our AT&T Retail Trucks on site. They can roll up, set up and then sell phones, accessories and wireless service right on the spot. They also can provide internet service to up to 40 Wi-Fi devices through the use of mobile hotspots. Now, the retail truck has rolled out to the Boyle Heights community of East Los Angeles, where it provides wireless internet to medical professionals who were on site testing for COVID-19 and giving medical evaluations.

Hallmark
Hallmark sent 4 million cards and envelopes to individuals who wanted to share their gratitude with local heroes. Although they’re all out of free cards, you can see how others are connecting with the important people in their lives with #CareEnough.

Kroger
Not to be outdone, The Kroger Co. Zero Hunger / Zero Waste Foundation created the Emergency COVID-19 Response Fund to direction $10 million in national, state, and local grants to pandemic response efforts. “We recognize the need in our communities is urgent and increasing ever day,” said Keith Daily, Kroger’s group vice president of corporate affairs.

Los Angeles Dodgers
Even though the MLB season is in limbo, the Los Angeles Dodgers bought groceries for customers at a South Los Angeles Smart & Final Extra! Store during the first two hours the store was open one morning in late April. The store reserves its opening hour for shoppers 60 years and older, expectant mothers, those with disabilities and first responders, making the payments extra valuable for impacted community members. The program was supported by the Dodgers Foundation.

Mattel, Inc.
Mattel is saying thank you to everyday heroes for being on the front lines during the coronavirus pandemic by launching a #ThankYouHeroes collection that includes 16 action figures — four each of doctors, nurses, EMTs and delivery drivers in varying genders and skin tones.

Soapbox Soap
Soapbox Soap reached deep into its supply chain to purchase 23 semi tankers of ethyl alcohol to get sanitizer stock out to its 13,000+ retailers, including Wegmans, Walgreens and Rite Aid. The company produced more than three million bottles of hand sanitizer in less than two weeks after securing an FDA-approved formula in just 24 hours, a process that normally takes nine months.

If you’d like to learn how to give back, check out these resources.