Rite Aid Launches Comprehensive Plan to Aid Hurricane Katrina Relief

Rite Aid today announced a chain wide program to help the victims, families and communities affected by the Hurricane Katrina devastation in the gulf coast states. The Rite Aid Foundation will make a $250,000 donation to the American Red Cross for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts and, in addition, Rite Aid will work closely with the American Red Cross as they assess need over time to donate supplies, food and water.


Rite Aid also announced that starting on Friday customers can donate funds to Hurricane Katrina relief by purchasing $1 dollar relief certificates at any Rite Aid store across the country. All funds raised will be donated to the American Red Cross and designated to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina.


As of Wednesday afternoon, 43 Rite Aid stores were closed due to the hurricane. Stores in Baton Rouge and Lafayette, LA are open and stores in Mobile, AL are open with limited pharmacy services. Rite Aid stores will continue to open as electricity returns, roads are opened and Rite Aid maintenance crews can assess damage. All Rite Aid associates affected by Hurricane Katrina can call toll-free, 888-968-7179, for information on affected Rite Aid stores.


Rite Aid customers will continue to be able to get prescriptions filled at any Rite Aid across the country because of the company's satellite-linked computer system. Any other patient with prescription needs can be helped at any Rite Aid location. Store location information is available by calling 1-800-RITEAID or by visiting riteaid.


"Our hearts go out to the victims, families and communities affected by this devastating hurricane," said Mary Sammons, president and CEO of Rite Aid. "All our stores and associates across the country want to help by offering a destination to easily contribute to hurricane relief to raise the funds that are so needed for rescue, recovery and rebuilding. We are committed to helping by partnering with the American Red Cross through our donations and by raising additional funds for the victims of Hurricane Katrina."


"We are grateful for Rite Aid's support of our relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina," said Kathleen Loehr, Vice President of Strategic Fundraising for the American Red Cross. "Many Rite Aid customers will never meet the people their generous gifts will help, but they can be assured the Red Cross will put their gifts to work, helping those who need it the most."


Rite Aid Corporation is one of the nation's leading drugstore chains with revenues of $16.8 billion and approximately 3,350 stores in 28 states and the District of Columbia. Information about Rite Aid, including corporate background and press releases, is available through the company's website at riteaid.