“During and after disasters, our customers count on us for batteries, flashlights, generators, safety equipment and more. Stricken neighbors also count on us… for the hot meal, place to rest and compassionate support that our Ready When the Time Comes™ volunteers generously provide.”

James T. Ryan, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Grainger

American Red Cross—a natural partner for Grainger

As the nation's premier emergency response organization, the American Red Cross aids victims of devastating natural disasters. Since 2001, Grainger has built a strategic partnership with the American Red Cross by providing more than $13 million in employee, cash and product resources.

Ready When the Time Comes™ disaster preparedness program
Grainger, the leading distributor of facilities maintenance products, is the National Founding Sponsor of the American Red Cross Ready When the Time Comes™ disaster volunteer program. The unique partnership between Grainger and the American Red Cross ensures large groups of local, trained volunteers are ready to respond when a disaster strikes. In 2006, Grainger donated $1 million to launch the program and committed to partnering with other businesses to champion the program across the country.

Find Out how you and your organization can get involved today

A model volunteer program
Several partner chapters and local entities have recognized Grainger for our leadership with the American Red Cross in the local community:

• 2011 Corporate Citizen Award for Best Partnership — U.S. Chamber of Commerce Business Civic Leadership Center
• 2011 Corporate Real Hero Award — American Red Cross Badger and South Central Wisconsin Region
• 2009 Hal Ball Good Neighbor Award — Long Beach Red Cross
• 2008 Good Neighbor Award — Cincinnati Red Cross
• 2008 Good Neighbor Award — Baltimore Red Cross
• 2008 Mayor's Business Recognition Award — City of Baltimore
  

Learn how your company can support the Red Cross or become a Partner Organization.

Thanks to all the volunteers who have made
Ready When the Time Comes™ a model volunteer program!

Volunteer Connection
Grainger continues to build on its partnership with the American Red Cross, as the National Launch Sponsor of Volunteer Connection, a new online system for volunteer management.

The American Red Cross has created a next-generation volunteer management system that will help better recruit, manage and deploy volunteers. The new online system is easy to use and allows new volunteers to match their skills to needs across the Red Cross.

Volunteer Connection was piloted in 20 locations this summer, and is being rolling out to remaining Red Cross chapters and locations through February, 2013