Albertson's Food & Drug stores have come to the aid of the American Red Cross, the U.S. Forest Service and the over 600 firefighters battling forest fires in Bitterroot Valley. With the combined effort of the Albertson's Big Sky Retail Division and the company's Salt Lake City Distribution Center, over 3,000 gallons of drinking water were donated to crews on the fire line. Additionally, the Company created charge accounts totaling $10,000 for both organizations at the Albertson's store located at 1313 N. 1st Street in Hamilton, Montana.

The emergency water supplies were delivered to the U.S. Forest Service District Office at 2001 Poplar Street, in Helena. "The water is being used by the crews battling the Wickes Fire, the High Ore Fire, and the Canyon Ferry Complex Fire", said Ellen Holroyd of the local U.S. Forest Service District.

Red Cross workers are using the accounts to purchase needed nourishments for impacted families while the U.S. Forest Service representatives are using the accounts to purchase emergency supplies for the fire fighters. "We are extremely grateful to Albertson's for this gracious donation," said Brother Philip, Mass Care Officer for the Red Cross. "Red Cross workers are distributing meals to families at our shelters in Hamilton and Darby and through our mobile feeding units which are reaching families across the fire affected areas of the Bitterroot Valley."

"Albertson's has a history of helping the communities that we live and work in when they are hit by disaster," said Frank Yaksitch, Vice President of Albertson's Big Sky Division. "We are happy to assist in this time of need." For over 35 years, Albertson's has served the Helena community, where the company employs nearly 300 local residents.

Albertson's, Inc.

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