Kroger's cross country relief effort

Ralphs and Food 4 Lessdon't have stores anywhere near the Northeastern U.S., but that didn't stop the Krogerdivisionsfrom joining with other retailers providing an outpouring of support to those coping with the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

Ralphs and Food 4 Less established collection points at all 243 Ralphs stores in Southern California and all 145 Food 4 Less stores in California, Las Vegas, Illinois and Indiana so customvers could make cash donations. Donations will be accepted beginning Saturday, November 3 and continuing through Saturday, November 10, 2012 with all funds collected going directly to the American Red Cross for its Hurricane Sandy relief efforts.

"The devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy has touched all of us. Many of our customers and associates have relatives and friends on the East Coast who have been affected by the hurricane," said Donna Giordano, president of Ralphs Supermarkets. "Our fund-raising effort in support of the American Red Cross will provide our customers and associates the opportunity to help the victims of this terrible natural disaster."

Added Bryan Kaltenbach, president of Food 4 Less/Foods Co, "It's our hope that our donations will help the Red Cross provide much needed assistance to the victims of Hurricane Sandy. We are proud to be able to assist the Red Cross with its Hurricane Sandy relief efforts."

It's not the first time Ralphs and Food 4 Less have contributed and raised funds to support long distance disastere relief efforts. The chains were involved in activities after the 2010 Haitian earthquake, the 2005 South Asia tsunami, Hurricane Katrina and the September 11th terrorist attacks.