Rite Aid lends support to Ky. tornado victims

CAMP HILL, Pa. — In the wake of tornadoes that hit communities in Kentucky on Friday, retail pharmacy chain Rite Aid has donated to a local Red Cross chapter to assist victims.

The company said Sunday that the Rite Aid Foundation, its philanthropic arm, had donated $15,000 to the Bluegrass chapter of the American Red Cross. The foundation also will provide supplies and items to assist with disaster relief efforts. Eli Lilly Foundation also pledged to donate $100,000 to the Red Cross.

"We are extremely grateful for the immediate support of the Rite Aid Foundation," American Red Cross Bluegrass Chapter director of development Winn Stephens said. "Thanks to their generosity, the Red Cross will be able to provide much-needed help and hope to those who need it most."

According to media reports, at least 38 people died Friday and Saturday as an outbreak of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes swept across a area that included Kentucky, Indiana, Alabama and Georgia.