Ford donates $1.25 million to Texas flood relief, launches recovery efforts

USA Today

3 days ago

Ford Motor Co., its employees, dealers and philanthropic arm are uniting to help Texans as the grim search continues for the more than 173 people who remain missing after flash floods last week devastated the state.
As of the morning of July 10, the death toll from the catastrophic flooding of the Guadalupe River in central Texas rose to 119 people, according to a USA TODAY report.
To help in the search and recovery, Ford, its dealers in Texas and Ford Philanthropy are donating $1.25 million to local charities to support the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country as well as local affiliates of Ford's "Building Together" partners.
Ford Philanthropy, which used to be called Ford Fund until last year, is a nonprofit funded by Ford Motor Co. Formed in 1949, Ford and its philanthropic arm have donated $2.3 billion to charities in that time, according to fordphilanthorpy.org. Last month, Ford launched its new "Building Together" program aimed at unifying Ford corporate leaders, employees, dealerships and nonprofit groups when responding to a crisis.
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Beyond the money, Ford employees, dealers and nonprofits will provide immediate help and lay the foundation for recovery by running shelters and reunification centers and distributing emergency food boxes.
'All of us at Ford are deeply saddened by the devastating floods in Central Texas and our thoughts are with all the families and communities who are mourning the loss of loved ones," said Elena Ford, Ford's chief dealer engagement officer, in an email to the Detroit Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Network.
Ford offers payment relief
Beyond the money, Ford said the automaker's dealers in Texas are providing loaner vehicles to the American Red Cross to help it widen its response efforts in reaching impacted areas.
Also, Ford said that on July 17, Ford employees and dealers will come to the North Texas Food Bank to pack food boxes for local Texas families, including those impacted by the floods.
On July 10, Ford Volunteer Corps members started preparing to deploy to Texas with Team Rubicon. A longtime partner with Ford Philanthropy, Team Rubicon is a veteran-led humanitarian organization that provides disaster relief and aid nationwide. Through Ford's new Extended Volunteer Paid Time Off Policy, Ford's trained volunteers will join Team Rubicon's mission as the recovery efforts begin in Texas.
Finally, Ford Credit is offering a deferred payment option to customers in FEMA Designated Areas. Ford Credit and Lincoln Automotive Financial Services are offering payment extensions of up to 60 days for customers affected by the storms, straight-line winds and flooding in Texas.
Elena Ford said the automaker's dealers have always been deeply rooted in their communities and are known to step up when help is needed, such as in this case.
"As search and rescue efforts continue and recovery begins, we're standing alongside our Texas Ford Dealers, Ford Philanthropy, and nonprofit partners to ensure critical support gets to those who need it most," Ford said.
Toyota also lends a hand
Ford's news comes after Toyota Motor North America said on July 8 that it was partnering with Toyota Financial Services, distributors Gulf States Toyota and Southeast Toyota and Vic Vaughan Toyota of Boerne and Toyota and Lexus dealers nationwide, to provide a combined donation of more than $600,000 to help people impacted by the floods in Texas.
The group's relief efforts include donations to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country's Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, along with matching contributions, in-kind donations and volunteerism. Also, Toyota Financial Services is offering payment relief options to affected customers.
"When disasters like this occur, it's important to help our neighbors and communities in their time of need," said Ted Ogawa, chief executive officer, Toyota Motor North America. "Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this horrible tragedy."
General Motors spokeswoman Tara Kuhnen said the automaker is providing the American Red Cross with pickups and SUVs to aid in recovery efforts.
"Our participation and contribution to the Red Cross' Annual Disaster Giving Program equips the Red Cross with the immediate resources to respond quickly and provide critical shelter and supplies to those impacted by the tragic flooding," Kuhnen said in a statement.
Additionally, GM has activated OnStar Full Crisis Mode services in Texas, Kuhnen said. That means anyone in an OnStar-equipped Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet or GMC vehicle impacted by the floods can press the in-vehicle blue button for complimentary crisis assist services, or the red emergency button if they are in need of immediate emergency help.
A Stellantis spokesperson did not immediately provide a comment when asked whether the company plans to give any aid to Texas.
Jamie L. LaReau is the senior autos writer who covers Ford Motor Co. for the Detroit Free Press. Contact Jamie at [e-mail]. Follow her on Twitter @jlareauan. To sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber.