Yesterday, Toyota Motors announced that it will make a $2 million donation to the American Red Cross to fund their relief efforts for the wildfires in California. According to the Red Cross, Toyota’s donation is one of the biggest that they have received. Aside from the cash, the Japanese automaker also committed to give Toyota lift trucks and palette jacks for unloading and distribution of relief goods.

"Toyota is a valued partner of the American Red Cross. We are extremely grateful for this generous donation that will enable the Red Cross to provide life-saving support to the affected communities in southern California," said Mark W. Everson, President and CEO of the American Red Cross.

"This donation will be critical in helping the Red Cross provide essential relief in the immediate aftermath of the fires." Everson added.

"It's our hope that aid may quickly reach those who fell victim to the California wildfires," said Jim Lentz, executive vice president of Toyota Motor Sales, USA (its Lexus plants makes Lexus starter).

"We owe a debt of gratitude to courageous firefighters and disaster relief organizations like the American Red Cross."

Toyota’s gifts will be utilized by the Red Cross to sustain their relief efforts in Southern California as the area is being pestered by wildfires. The American Red Cross is providing its residents, fire fighters and volunteers with shelter, food water, clean up and comfort kits and medical and mental services. In Southern California, Red Cross have 3,000 workers and volunteers from all over America. During the whole disaster, the Red Cross provided the following services:
• Opened 24 shelters providing displaced residents with a safe place to stay
• Mobilized tens of thousands of cots, blankets, comfort kits, and clean-up supplies
• Volunteers are staffing 75 Emergency Response Vehicles, providing hot meals and snacks to residents, firefighters and first responders
• Red Cross mental health counselors are available to help residents and emergency workers in the affected areas manage the stress and fear that accompanies all disasters

The wildfires almost hit the northern edge of a Toyota Tacoma plant in Southern California. The 701 acre area employs 800 Toyota workers and 400 employees for Toyota employees.