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With Do it Best and True Value operating as one entity, the two announced a combined $110,000 donation to aid in disaster relief and recovery efforts for communities impacted by the fires in Altadena and surrounding areas in California.
Do it Best and the Do it Best Foundation will donate $100,000 to the American Red Cross, which provides shelter, food and emergency supplies for displaced families in disaster areas. True Value and the True Value Foundation will provide a $10,000 grant to the Boys and Girls Club of America to support its efforts in assisting over 81,000 members and their families in the affected region.
“Supporting our communities is a cornerstone of our mission,” says Dan Starr, Do it Best and True Value CEO. “Through these contributions, we’re proud to deliver meaningful aid while standing with those working tirelessly to recover and rebuild.”
The recent fires have caused widespread destruction, with many unable to return to their homes and businesses. Entire neighborhoods and commercial districts have been destroyed, including Altadena Hardware, a True Value store owned by the Orlandini family.
The Orlandinis are working with local officials to determine how they can best serve their community. The Orlandini family has long been a pillar of the Altadena community, providing hardware essentials and expert advice. As the community now faces unprecedented challenges, Do it Best and True Value are actively working with the Orlandinis to ensure their ability to continue serving their neighbors.
“Our focus is on delivering the resources and supporting the Orlandini family and their community, which needs to rebuild quickly and effectively,” says Chris Okapal, True Value vice president of sales and business development. “We are committed to helping them reopen their doors, whether in a temporary or permanent capacity, as soon as possible.”
While access to the affected area remains restricted, plans are underway to establish a temporary store to meet the rebuilding needs of the community. Critical steps include:
- Temporary store setup: Exploring options for a temporary store including leasing a nearby vacant building or utilizing trailers and tents in a suitable location.
- Rapid deployment of supplies: Coordinating shipments of essential hardware products—cleaners, tarps, dust masks, gloves, tools, and generators—to meet community demands.
- Mobile operations: Providing a $5,000 mobile point-of-sale system from Epicor to ensure seamless transactions in the temporary location.
- Financial relief: Pausing invoices, canceling future orders, and implementing marketing credits to alleviate immediate financial pressures on the Orlandini family.
“While the road to recovery will be long, the strength of the Altadena community is inspiring,” Starr says. “The combined efforts of the American Red Cross and Boys & Girls Clubs of America, local leaders and dedicated partners like the Orlandini family remind us of the power of collaboration and hope in the face of adversity.”
The Orlandini family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to support its employees during the store’s closure, ensuring they have financial stability as the rebuilding process begins.
