SAN JOSE, CA (December 7, 2011) - The American Red Cross Silicon Valley Chapter rolled out a new mobile emergency response vehicle (ERV) last month that will be used to distribute food, water, and other supplies in times of disaster. The new ERV was purchased thanks to a $100K donation from NetApp.

NetApp is a long-time partner of the Silicon Valley Chapter and a corporate leader in community preparedness. Like the Red Cross, NetApp realizes the importance for individuals, families, and companies to be prepared in case of a disaster. NetApp's vision is to build a model company and to deliver the best possible results for the communities it serves by living a set of core values. NetApp's work with organizations like the Red Cross is an example of these core values and exemplifies the company's culture of giving and its commitment to philanthropy.

"Disaster preparedness is something NetApp takes very seriously, and we are thrilled to be able to work with the American Red Cross to deliver a new ERV that will go a long way in helping to provide critical food and supplies to people in need," said Gwen McDonald, EVP of Human Resources, NetApp.

In addition to purchasing the actual vehicle, NetApp's donation to the American Red Cross Silicon Valley Chapter also includes funds to cover annual vehicle gas and maintenance costs, driver training courses for six people, and community disaster education materials.

The new ERV joins a fleet of more than 300 Red Cross emergency vehicles that are ready to respond to disasters around the country, including one other ERV stationed in San Jose. During a large-scale disaster, a single ERV serves 300 meals twice a day to people relying on the Red Cross for food and water. NetApp's donation significantly increases the capacity of the Silicon Valley Chapter to serve our local community as well as nationally. The new ERV, which features the NetApp logo as a way to recognize their generous contribution, will be stationed in Silicon Valley, home of NetApp's headquarters in Sunnyvale, Calif.

"Through our partnership with generous companies like NetApp, the Red Cross is able to respond to disaster victims at a moment's notice," said American Red Cross Silicon Valley CEO Barbara Larkin. "This new emergency response vehicle can transport 2,000 pounds of emergency supplies and will help the Red Cross meet the needs of our neighbors in Silicon Valley."

Home fires and other disasters strike in Silicon Valley every 68 hours. Families must evacuate their homes, many times with nothing but the clothes on their back and the few things they can carry. American Red Cross ERVs and volunteers are among the first on the disaster scene, stocked with food, water and critical supplies that give support and comfort to local residents who have lost everything.

If you are interested in becoming trained to respond to disasters with the American Red Cross or want to make a donation to help fill our new vehicle with supplies, contact your local Red Cross Silicon Valley Chapter at 1-877-727-6771 or visit www.siliconvalley-redcross.org.

About American Red Cross Silicon Valley Chapter
The American Red Cross Silicon Valley Chapter is a non-profit, humanitarian organization that depends on the generous contributions of time and money from Santa Clara County residents and companies to provide services and programs that help our community prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. For more information on disaster preparedness, health and safety classes, volunteer opportunities, and financial contributions, visit our website at www.siliconvalley-redcross.org or call us at 1-877-727-6771.

Media Contact:
Cynthia Shaw
Cell: 408-666-6857
shawcy@usa.redcross.org

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