El Segundo, CA, August 17, 2021 — Today the American Red Cross is recognizing Big 5 Sporting Goods, headquartered in El Segundo, California, for supporting Red Cross Disaster Relief through their pledge to the Disaster Responder Program. Thanks to this donation in advance of disasters, the Red Cross is prepared to help meet the needs of people affected by disasters big and small, anytime and anywhere across the U.S.

Disaster Responder Program members pledge financial and in-kind donations in advance of disasters, powering the Red Cross with strong infrastructure, trained volunteers, innovative technology and critical resources necessary to provide relief and support to those in crisis. These donations keep the Red Cross ready to respond to disasters at a moment’s notice — offering a safe place to sleep, a hot meal, emotional support and resources to aid in recovery — while also helping prepare people and communities for disasters yet to come.

“Every day in the face of disasters, the generosity of Disaster Responder members like Big 5 Sporting Goods ensures the Red Cross can provide comfort and care to people in their darkest hours,” said Don Herring, chief development officer at the American Red Cross. “We are extremely grateful for these contributions before disasters strike because it enables us to respond to disasters immediately and compassionately, when help and hope are needed most.”

“Big 5 considers it an honor and a privilege to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief through our pledge to the Disaster Responder Program”, stated Rick Gridley, public affairs director at Big 5 Sporting Goods. “As a longtime contributor to Red Cross Disaster Relief we recognize the importance of ensuring the Red Cross is fully prepared to provide relief before, during and after disasters strike.”

From historic hurricanes to record-breaking wildfires and severe storms, Red Cross volunteers have worked tirelessly over the past year to provide food, emergency lodging and comfort to hundreds of thousands of people in need across the country. Disaster Responder members helped ensure the Red Cross had critical resources on hand — before these disasters struck — to immediately mobilize supplies, equipment and trained disaster workers where they were needed most. Contributions by Disaster Responder members have also enabled the Red Cross to adapt its services to help keep everyone safe during the coronavirus pandemic.

While large disasters like wildfires, hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes typically draw national attention, each year, the Red Cross responds to more than 60,000 disasters across the country — the majority of which are home fires. Generous donations from Disaster Responder members enable the Red Cross to provide services to people in need of assistance at no cost and regardless of income.

And thanks to Disaster Responder members, Red Cross volunteers are also helping communities become better prepared and more resilient, educating people nationwide about disaster preparedness and giving them the reassurance and confidence to face crises of all kinds.

This year, during National Preparedness Month (September 1 – 30), Big 5 Sporting Goods will initiate a chainwide fundraising campaign in support of Red Cross Disaster Relief.  All Big 5 stores will engage their customers to support Disaster Relief through donations collected at check out. 100% of all donations from the fundraising campaign will be designated to American Red Cross Disaster Relief.

Individuals can also help people affected by disasters big and small by making a gift directly to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Donations to Disaster Relief enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters. Visit redcross.org, or call 1-800-REDCROSS for more information.

About Big 5 Sporting Goods

Big 5 is a leading sporting goods retailer in western United States, operating 429 stores in 11 states. Big 5 provides a full-line product offering at compelling values including athletic shoes, apparel and accessories, as well as a broad selection of athletic equipment for team sports, fitness, camping, hunting, fishing, tennis, golf, winter and summer recreation and roller sports.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.