Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA – In partnership with the Community Foundation of West Alabama, Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc. (MBUSI) has donated $100,000 to assist with COVID-19 relief efforts. Several local organizations will share in the funds to help provide critical needs to individuals and families impacted by COVID-19.
President and CEO Michael Goebel said, “The COVID-19 pandemic is placing an incredible amount of strain on families and on the nonprofits and groups trying to assist them in making ends meet. We are all connected and we have to pull together to help get this community through this crisis.”
Recipient organizations to benefit from the financial donation include:
- United Way of West Alabama ($40,000)
- Temporary Emergency Services of West Alabama ($15,000)
- West Alabama Food Bank ($10,000)
- Community Service Programs of West Alabama ($10,000)
- American Red Cross / American Red Cross West Alabama Chapter ($10,000)
- Tuscaloosa City Schools ($7,500)
- Tuscaloosa County Schools ($7,500)
MBUSI has also held blood drives and donated personal protective equipment: surgical masks, medical gowns, N95 masks, N100 reusable filters, Tyvek full body suits, and face shield headbands to local hospitals and emergency agencies amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
“United Way of West Alabama established the West Alabama COVID-19 Community Response Fund (WACRF) in response to our 2-1-1 Helpline calls for assistance with basic necessities (food, rent and utilities) increasing by 400% due to the COVID-10 crisis,” said United Way President and CEO, Jackie Wuska. “Most of the increase in 2-1-1 Helpline calls are coming from individuals who never asked for help and, for the first time ever, find themselves unable to work and make their mortgage or utility payments.”
Wuska continued to say, “Thus far, our funding awards to individuals and families have ranged from $180 – $920. Mercedes-Benz U.S. International’s generous gift in support of our WACRF will enable us to help many more families during these stressful times and go a long way to provide much needed hope and peace of mind. We are so grateful for Mercedes’ support and all they do to help our community no matter the extent of the need.”
About Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc.
MBUSI – located in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama — is the production location for the GLE-, GLS- and GLE Coupe SUVs. As of today, Mercedes-Benz Cars and Vans has invested over $6 billion USD in its production location in Alabama. The plant is further expanding its production footprint with a $1 billion investment for its second campus. The expansion includes construction of a new battery plant to prepare the plant to build electric vehicles at the beginning of this decade. MBUSI currently employs more than 4,200 Team Members and provides more than 10,000 jobs at suppliers and service providers in the region.
