Winn-Dixie stores matching customer donations for flood victims in Louisiana

As residents of Louisiana, still reeling from the recent flood disaster, begin to put their lives back together, the parent company of Winn-Dixie said Wednesday it will match any donations made at all of its stores by customers to the state’s recovery. The company noted that Mississippi has been hit by significant flooding as well.

Jacksonville, Fla.-based Southeastern Grocers said the matching dollars will come from its own foundation, with all three of its store brands — Winn-Dixie, BI-LO and Harveys — taking part in the donation effort. The company operates 47 Winn-Dixie stores in Louisiana, with three in the cities of Baton Rouge, Crowley and Walker still closed as of Tuesday because of flooding.

“Winn-Dixie has been a part of the Louisiana community for 60 years,” Ian McLeod, president and chief executive officer of Southeastern Grocers, said in a statement. “During that time, the strength and resilience of the community has been tried time and time again, and we are proud to have the people of Louisiana as our customers, our associates, and our neighbors, as their bravery and perseverance has been an inspiration as we begin our recovery efforts.”

The grocery chain said it will match customer donations made through Tuesday. Winn-Dixie operates five supermarkets locally. The Columbus stores are located at 6770 Veterans Parkway, 4231 Macon Road, 5750 Milgen Road and 1100 Hunt Ave. The Phenix City store is at 3952 U.S. Hwy. 80.

It was Aug. 11 that torrential rains began pouring over portions of Louisiana and Mississippi, with some areas receiving between 25 and 30 inches over two to three days. Reports indicate that at least 11 people have died from the deluge and flash flooding that has been called a “500-year event,” with 30,000 people being rescued from the waters and up to 40,000 homes suffering damage, many without flood insurance. About 60,000 people have sought emergency assistance from the federal government.

The American Red Cross said more than 1,000 volunteers from every state, as well as Washington and Puerto Rico, have descended on the stricken area to help people with basic needs. That includes those forced into shelters and others remaining at home but without electricity.

The Red Cross also is accepting donations for the recovery. To do so, visit http://www.redcross.org/or call 1-800-RED CROSS. Ten dollar smartphone donations can be made by texting “LAFLOODS” to 90999.

Southeastern Grocers operates about 750 supermarkets across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina and South Carolina.

This story was originally published August 17, 2016 at 12:51 PM with the headline "Winn-Dixie stores matching customer donations for flood victims in Louisiana."