Hilliard families still clearing debris from the Aug. 11 derecho can now get help buying groceries and cleaning supplies, after Kroger's Columbus Division announced a $10,000 gift card donation for storm recovery in Franklin and Perry counties.
The company said Aug. 15, that gift cards will go to local authorities in each county for direct distribution to families hit hardest by the storms, according to ABC6. The donation is the first reported private-sector relief contribution for Franklin County since the derecho tore through the area five days ago.
"We hope these funds will help families restock on their necessities as they get back on their feet," Mark Bruce, head of communications and public affairs at Kroger's Columbus Division, said in a press release.
The specific Franklin County agency handling distribution has not been named. Kroger said the cards will cover essentials like cleaning supplies and fresh groceries as families begin rebuilding.
Checkout round-up available at Hilliard stores
Kroger is also encouraging customers to round up their totals at checkout. Those donations go to local hunger relief organizations Kroger did not name. Hilliard's two Kroger locations, at 4656 Cemetery Rd. and 2525 Hilliard Rome Rd., both participate.
Every dollar counts.
Storm recovery continues
The donation adds a private-sector layer to what has been a government-led response. Gov. Mike DeWine declared a state of emergency for Franklin County on Aug. 13, and city crews were still working through neighborhoods as of Friday, Aug. 14, chipping and collecting tree limbs in the Purple Zone, Britton Farms and Carrington Place after finishing the Blue Zone.
The city's storm response page notes that Franklin County Emergency Management is encouraging residents with storm damage to submit a damage report to help document the storm's full impact.
Wind speeds during the Aug. 11 derecho reached 82 mph at John Glenn Columbus International Airport, causing widespread damage across Hilliard, Upper Arlington and several Columbus neighborhoods.
Upcoming
- Storm debris collection: City crews continue working through remaining neighborhood zones.
- Damage reports: Residents can file through Franklin County Emergency Management & Homeland Security.
- Kroger round-up: Available at both Hilliard Kroger locations during regular store hours.
