Marion, Ohio-September 18, 2020- Marion, Ohio based Wyandot Snacks is sending a Semi-truck full of 1,391 cases of snacks and treats to Salem, Oregon for evacuees in Red Cross shelters to enjoy. The truck left Marion on September 18, 2020 and should arrive in Oregon by the 28th for distribution to the various shelters.

The Red Cross has mobilized a massive relief effort across three western states and is working around the clock to ensure that people have a safe place to stay, with food, comfort and other assistance. Wednesday night, the Red Cross and partners provided some 8,500 people with safe refuge from the wildfires in emergency lodgings, including shelters and, in some cases, hotels. With the help of partners, the Red Cross has already served more than 260,000 meals and snacks and distributed nearly 21,000 relief items.

“Wyandot Snacks has been a mainstay in Marion for 85 years; they are the perfect example of a company that puts the community first with their commitment to give back,” said Rod Cook, Executive Director of the East Central Ohio Chapter. “The Red Cross is able to carry out its mission with the help of corporate partners like Wyandot, we are very grateful for their in-kind donation.” Cook went on to say, “We’d also like to thank Wyandot’s dedicated logistics team, ODW Logistics, which has graciously provided the transportation for this load of snacks”

“We believe we have a responsibility to give back,” said Rob Sarlls, President and CEO of Wyandot Snacks. “Those of us who work here at Wyandot are saddened to see the devastation caused by the wildfires. Having suffered a devastating fire at our Marion manufacturing facility nearly 25 years ago, we truly understand the importance of being able to get back on one’s feet. We’re honored to work with the Red Cross to do what we can to provide relief to those who have been evacuated.”

More than 90 large wildfires are burning across the west, forcing tens of thousands of people to evacuate and consuming more than five million acres. Thousands are without power, roads are closed, schools shut down and flights cancelled going into the area. Entire towns are destroyed, along with thousands of homes and businesses — with thousands more are under threat.

Anyone wanting to help people affected by the western wildfires can do so by visiting redcross.org, calling 800-RED CROSS or texting the word WILDFIRES to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

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/Marion and join us on Twitter and Facebook @ARCcsor.