In the face of the tragic wildfires that ravaged Southern California, like so many industries, organizations and community members, America’s beverage companies are stepping up to provide meaningful aid and relief. 

For Niagara Bottling, many of their team members live and work in the Los Angeles area around their national headquarters, and their response reflects deep local ties. The company partnered with organizations like Convoy of Hope, Feed the Children and Serve Source to distribute food to 800 families and assemble 250 disaster relief backpacks for children. They’ve also contributed to the Widows and Orphans Firefighters Fund, supporting first responders who are working tirelessly to protect communities.

“In these challenging times, it's so important that we come together as a community to support one another,” said Ann Canela, head of Niagara Cares. “Our Team Members are not just colleagues; they are our friends and our community. We are here for you, ready to lend a hand and offer a shoulder to lean on.”

For more than a century, The Coca-Cola Company has partnered with the American Red Cross to support communities in times of crisis. This enduring commitment was exemplified again through a $1.2 million donation to the Red Cross along with $250,000 in contributions to national and local organizations. Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling, a key partner in the region, also stepped up to provide monetary support and in-kind beverage donations to support affected employees and the broader community.

Keurig Dr Pepper contributed to relief efforts by providing pallets of CORE Hydration water and La Colombe ready-to-drink coffee, ensuring residents and first responders are hydrated and fueled. These timely donations underscored the importance of immediate, on-the-ground assistance during a crisis. 

PepsiCo and the PepsiCo Foundation are providing $500,000 to organizations such as World Central Kitchen, Team Rubicon and Los Angeles Mission to assist with relief efforts. In addition, PepsiCo’s Food for Good team delivered 10,000 shelf-stable meals and donated thousands of cases of bottled water and food. Their support aimed to alleviate immediate needs while reinforcing ongoing, longer-term recovery. 

Jose Adame, unit general manager at PepsiCo praised the team’s dedication, “I am incredibly grateful to have an amazing team who went above and beyond during this difficult time. Despite the challenges, the team worked extra days and long hours to ensure the safety of our employees.” 

Together, these companies are committed to supporting their communities, particularly when there is a disaster such as this one. Because at the end of the day, we are all neighbors, and every effort big and small goes a long way in helping those who need it most.