Valero commits $225k to area COVID-19 fight

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Funding to provide support for community response efforts

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  • Valero donates $225k to SETX efforts against COVID-19. (Valero photo)
    Valero donates $225k to SETX efforts against COVID-19. (Valero photo)
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Valero Energy Corporation and the Valero Energy Foundation announced April 6 it is committing $225,000 to support local organizations on the front lines of responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The support is part of an overall $1.8 million commitment to help people most in need primarily in cities where the company operates. In addition, Valero is also providing gas cards to selected charitable organizations to provide access to essential fuels and products for their operations.

“The health and the safety of our employees, our families and our communities are critically important,” said Joe Gorder, Valero Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “We are blessed to be able to continue supporting our community partners as we all work together to overcome this extraordinary situation.”

Some of the local organizations receiving funding include:

Southeast Texas Food Bank will receive $72,000 to be used for the increased need of food distribution to its partner agencies for the general population, especially targeting children and seniors. The Food Bank will also receive $3,000 in Valero fuel cards that will support the delivery of food throughout the community for a total donation of $75,000.

Catholic Charities of Southeast Texas Hospitality Center will receive $25,000 to provide food as well as food packaging supplies needed to safely distribute two pickup meals daily for elderly on fixed incomes, disabled and homeless persons.

United Board of Missions will receive $30,000 to help families in need of necessities and basic needs such as food, clothing and assistance with families that may be facing eviction from their homes.

Nutrition & Services for Seniors will receive $28,000 to provide meals for the increased number of homebound seniors receiving food from the “Meals on Wheels” program. The organization will also receive $2,000 in fuel cards for their delivery vehicles for a total donation of $30,000.

Samaritan Counseling Center will receive $30,000 to aid in the support of our community’s critical mental and emotional health needs during COVID-19. Samaritan has expanded their counseling efforts and programs to include TeleMental Health Therapy sessions.

Community Prayer Outreach will receive $30,000 to support individuals and families financially impacted from COVID-19 with basic necessities of food, clothing and medication assistance as well as utility and rent support.

Southeast Texas Hospice and Family Services of Southeast Texas Women’s and Children’s Shelter will each receive $2,500 in fuel cards for transportation required to care for their clients.

“Valero, through the Valero Energy Foundation, wants to make sure organizations on the front lines have the resources they need to be able to continue to provide vital services,” said Mark Skobel, Vice President and General Manager for Valero Port Arthur Refinery. “We appreciate these organizations and others for continuing to take care of our community.”