Safety Supply Kits Are Being Donated to Southeast Louisiana Hospitality Businesses
Supplies are being distributed in advance of Mardi Gras, Final Four & upcoming festivals to further assist with ensuring guest and staff safety
February 22, 2022
Fill the Needs, the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation, and Republic National Distributing Company have partnered together to distribute safety supplies to hospitality businesses across southeast Louisiana in advance of the region’s busy season. Although this year’s increase in business from Mardi Gras, Final Four and upcoming festivals will be welcomed, it also brings additional safety risks to hospitality workers and their guests.
Fill the Needs with their network partners secured, routed, housed, and distributed eighteen wheelers filled with donated safety supplies including disposable gloves, bleach wipes, hand sanitizer and industrial cleaning supplies to southeast Louisiana.
One 18-wheeler of these donated supplies valued at $185,000 have been packaged into Safety Kits and are being distributed across the region by employees at Republic National Distributing Company.
“The hospitality industry always answers the call to help when asked, whether it is in response to disasters, emergencies, hurricanes, or non-profit requests,” says Amy Sins, founder of Fill the Needs. “This community outreach was one simple way we could give back to them to help them stay safe and keep their customers safe.”
“These free supplies will come at a key time to help hospitality businesses during what is expected to be a very busy spring across southeast Louisiana,” said Jennifer Kelley, executive director of Louisiana Hospitality Foundation.
“We were excited to be the distribution partner for the safety supply kit outreach program,” said Dolph Parro, executive vice president, Republic National Distributing Company. “We believe in working together to keep as many people as safe as possible while our industry gets back to hosting the events we all love so much.”
If someone wants to inquire about bulk orders of safety supplies by the pallet, email amy@filltheneeds.org (while supplies last.)
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About Fill the Needs
What began as a community of coordinated volunteers in 2008 responding to flooding in Cedar Rapids Iowa and the 2016 flooding in Louisiana launched into Fill the Needs January 2022. Fill the Needs rapidly mobilizes our network of partners & volunteers to assess and coordinate resources required for efficient disaster response. The first 14 days following a disaster are critical for resource deployment immediately impacting the lives of those dealing with natural and man-made disasters. Beyond the first 14 days, Fill the Needs supports ongoing disaster relief efforts by providing funding, supplies, and support where they are lacking. Fill the Needs supports three ongoing relief missions: Hurricane Ida, COVID, and Afghanistan Refugees. To learn more, visit www.filltheneeds.org, Instagram & Facebook @FillTheNeedsOrg. Press Inquiries may email connect@filltheneeds.org
About Louisiana Hospitality Foundation
Founded in 2006, the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation’s mission is to strengthen Louisiana’s hospitality industry through support of individuals within the community. We do this by supporting workforce development programs directly related to our industry; providing access to culinary and hospitality education; working to ensure a positive perception of Louisiana’s hospitality industry; and providing financial assistance and/or guidance to people in the hospitality industry during times of crisis.
Since its inception, the Foundation has distributed over $4.8 million in support of its mission. These funds are raised through signature fundraising events including Horses, Hops and Cops, the Fidelity Bank Champions Club at Zurich Classic, the Gold Medal Chefs Gala & Hospitality Awards, and Santa’s Kitchen.
Follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LouisianaHospitalityFoundation, on Instagram at @lahospfound, and on Twitter at @lahospfound and for additional information visit http://www.louisianahospitality.org.
About Republic National Distributing Company
As a top beverage alcohol distributor in the nation, RNDC’s national reach helps suppliers by building strategic relationships with on- and off-premise customers to elevate their brands and reach their target consumers. RNDC currently operates in the District of Columbia and 37 states across the United States, with the expected addition of the New York market in 2022. To learn more, visit www.rndc-usa.com or contact Reace Smith, Vice President, Corporate Communications at reace.smith@rndc-usa.com.