Summer has been devastating for Americans from Florida to Colorado as floods, fire and hurricane-like winds ravage homes. Millions of people across the country remain without power, potable water and essential supplies. Families have been evacuated from their homes, some never to return.

The American Red Cross is responding to wildfires, floods and heat waves by providing shelter and lifesaving blood. There is an emergency need for blood. All blood types are needed. To make a blood donation, visit the Red Cross website for your nearest location.

If you would like to help people affected by these disasters, you can make a donation today to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Also, please be aware of assisted or senior living facilities in your community that may need fresh bottled water because of contamination to the water supply.  Donating a case of water is one way to help those in need.

The beverage industry, too, has a long history of helping out in times of crisis and natural disaster, from hurricanes such as Katrina to "boil water" alerts in towns across America. It's all part of how we're delivering for our customers, consumers and communities.