On May 16, thunderstorms, hurricane-force winds and a tornado tore through the Houston area, reducing businesses and other structures to piles of debris, uprooting trees and shattering glass from downtown skyscrapers. In response to the derecho, CITGO is donating $100,000 to support local disaster relief efforts.
The company is donating $25,000 to each of the following nonprofit organizations: Houston Food Bank (HFB), Baker Ripley, Rebuilding Together Houston (RTH) and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.
The donations will provide immediate and long-term support to the affected communities, addressing urgent needs such as food, shelter, home repairs and essential supplies.
“Our community has been hit hard by these storms, and it's our responsibility to step up and support our neighbors in their time of need," said Edgar Rincon, CITGO chief operating officer and executive vice president. "These organizations are making a significant difference in the recovery efforts and bringing relief to those who have been affected, so we want to amplify their work as Houstonians rebuild."
Additionally, following the start of the Atlantic hurricane season (June 1), CITGO is donating $125,000 in resilience grants to nonprofits working to keep people safe, informed and prepared in the Houston and Corpus Christi, Texas areas, and in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
"Working with these organizations, we want to help equip our communities with the tools and resources they need to navigate the challenges of the upcoming storm season," said Kresha Sivinski, CITGO vice president of human resources and support services. "The proactive steps we take now to prepare for this time of year are so important—it's about bringing people together and helping them protect themselves. As a part of these communities, there is nothing more rewarding for us at CITGO than taking care of people in the face of adversity."
On June 1, CITGO volunteers delivered nonperishable food to seniors and provided updated disaster preparation and emergency services information, should inclement weather hit and disrupt Meals on Wheels services for affected seniors.