Dillons has released a press release announcing that they WILL be rebuilding in Joplin. Hallelujah! That is a wonderful bit of news amidst all the heartbreak & loss our community is going through. Dillons is also providing much-needed financial relief as well as assistance to their employees. Their press release:
DILLONS STORES COMMITS TO REBUILD IN JOPLIN, MISSOURI, DONATES $250,000 PLUS A DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR MATCH FOR RELIEF EFFORTS, AND PROVIDES ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FOR DILLON ASSOCIATES
HUTCHINSON, KANSAS, May 28, 2011 – In ongoing efforts to support the community of Joplin, MO, Dillon Stores as a division of The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today announced its commitment to rebuild and pledges a $250,000 contribution to the Ozark Food Harvest and a dollar-for-dollar matching contribution to the Red Cross’ tornado relief efforts.
While complete details of the rebuilding project remain under consideration, the Dillons team will work closely with Joplin city officials to determine the best approach, as the community begins to redevelop.
“The tragedy in Joplin is unimaginable and it will take all of us working together to begin healing. We hope that today’s announcement to rebuild, our ongoing help to Ozark Food Harvest and financial support to the Red Cross is a step forward for the Joplin community in the aftermath of this devastating tornado. Dillons has been a part of the Joplin community for the past 30 years and we’re pleased to be a part of its future,” said Joe Grieshaber, president of Dillon Stores.
Dillons will donate $250,000 to the Ozark Food Harvest in support of its enduring commitment to ending hunger in the communities it serves, with the donation reserved for further relief efforts in Joplin.
An additional dollar-for-dollar matching contribution will be provided to the Red Cross tornado relief efforts on behalf of Dillons to support the generosity of its customers. With its ongoing Red Cross Relief Drive for tornado victims, customers and associates may give a cash donation at coin-boxes or round-up their grocery order to the nearest dollar at the register while doing their regular grocery shopping. Donations are now being accepted at all Dillons, Baker’s, or Gerbes locations. 100% of these contributions and the matching donation will benefit the Red Cross’ tornado relief efforts. In the first few days of the drive, nearly $15,000 has been collected for the Red Cross, thanks to the generosity of customers and associates.
Additionally, a semi-truck load of supplies including bottled water, paper products, and snack items has been donated to the Joplin Red Cross Command Center to assist with immediate relief efforts and essential needs.
“Our top priority has always been our associates in Joplin and the community, in the wake of this disaster, added Grieshaber. “We are extremely proud of our team in Joplin and their efforts to quickly respond to the warning on Sunday night. Thanks to their immediate reactions with our emergency safety plans, all 35 people in Dillons at the time of storm escaped with only a few minor injuries. This is truly remarkable in light of the complete destruction.”
Dillon Stores has also announced additional support options for associates serving in Joplin, MO to offer continued employment with a number of options. Dillons will offer transfers for continued employment, relocation allowances, and financial assistance through its internal “Helping Hands” fund with contributions from across the Kroger Family of Stores. For associates with unique needs, Dillons will offer a generous severance package for associates who must make the best decision for their families.
“We understand that everyone’s personal circumstances are unique and uncertainty about the future is difficult. So we’re doing everything we can to help our associates find job opportunities in nearby stores and assisting them in many other ways,” Grieshaber added.
Thanks Sheila!
And I just want to say, I ♥ Dillons and I was so relieved to hear everyone that was in Dillons during the tornado survived. One of the many things I love about my Dillons here in Joplin is the warm & welcoming staff who were always quick to help and I hope to see them all again after Dillons rebuilds.
I am Praising God right now that all of our wonderful Dillons associates are ok…..and am so happy to hear that Dillons will be returning. I so miss the thought of them not being here for a bit. Been trying to figure out where I was going to shop….this has helped relieve that. Thanks for sharing the great news!
I just want to say this is one of the biggest reliefs I have heard, my familys home was right behind Dillons on Montana Place and they were total devastation and I am so happy to hear these small signs of recovery and rebuilding. It gives us all hope and something to look forward to.
I am sooooo happy to hear that they will be rebuilding! I lived in the apartments right next door, and I’m pretty sure I was there at least once a day! Some friends and I are planning to car pool over to Pittsburg once a week or every other week until our Dillon’s is back. Hope it’s soon, lol
I also live right behind Dillons and was so thankful to hear of them rebuilding but not near as thankful to hear that everyone in the store was ok. I hope that all of those that worked there were found to be ok. Until they return, we will anxiously await!
Thankfully, Everyone that was at Dillons was accounted for.