With Do it Best and True Value now operating as one company, they’re proud to announce a combined $110,000 donation to aid in the disaster relief and recovery efforts for communities impacted by the devastating fires in Altadena and surrounding areas.

Do it Best and the Do it Best Foundation will donate $100,000 to the American Red Cross to provide vital resources such as shelter, food, and emergency supplies for displaced families. Additionally, True Value and the True Value Foundation will provide a $10,000 grant to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America to support their critical work in assisting over 81,000 Club members and their families in the affected region.

This combined contribution demonstrates the company’s unwavering commitment to supporting its members, retailers, and their communities during times of crisis. “Supporting our communities is a cornerstone of our mission,” said Do it Best and True Value CEO Dan Starr. “Through these contributions, we’re proud to deliver meaningful aid while standing with those working tirelessly to recover and rebuild.”

Rebuilding a local business

The fires have caused widespread destruction, with many unable to return to their homes and businesses. Entire neighborhoods and commercial districts have been destroyed, including Altadena Hardware, a True Value store owned by the Orlandini family. The Orlandinis are working with local officials to determine how they can best serve their community after this disaster.

The Orlandini family has long been a pillar of the Altadena community, providing hardware essentials and expert advice. As the community now faces unprecedented challenges, Do it Best and True Value are actively working with the Orlandinis to ensure their ability to continue serving their neighbors.

While access to the affected area remains restricted, plans are underway to establish a temporary store to meet the rebuilding needs of the community. Critical steps include:

• ● Temporary store setup: Exploring options for a temporary store, including leasing a nearby vacant building or utilizing trailers and tents in a suitable location.
• ● Rapid deployment of supplies: Coordinating shipments of essential hardware products—cleaners, tarps, dust masks, gloves, tools, and generators—to meet community demands.
• ● Mobile operations: Providing a $5,000 mobile point-of-sale system from Epicor to ensure seamless transactions in the temporary location.
• ● Financial relief: Pausing invoices, canceling future orders, and implementing marketing credits to alleviate immediate financial pressures on the Orlandini family.
• “Our focus is on delivering the resources and supporting the Orlandini family and their community, which needs to rebuild quickly and effectively,” said Chris Okapal, vice president of sales and business development for True Value. “We are committed to helping them reopen their doors, whether in a temporary or permanent capacity, as soon as possible.”

A message of hope for kids and families

“While the road to recovery will be long, the strength of the Altadena community is inspiring,” said Dan Starr. “The combined efforts of the American Red Cross and Boys & Girls Clubs of America, local leaders, and dedicated partners like the Orlandini family remind us of the power of collaboration and hope in the face of adversity.”

The Orlandini family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to support their employees during the store’s closure, ensuring financial stability as the rebuilding process begins.

About Do it Best

Based in Fort Wayne, IN, Do it Best is the only US-based, member-owned comprehensive, and fully integrated hardware, lumber, and building materials buying cooperative in the home improvement industry. With annual sales of nearly $6 billion, Do it Best serves thousands of member-owned locations across the United States and in more than 60 other countries. For more information, visit doitbestonline.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

About the Do it Best Foundation

The Do it Best Foundation supports not-for-profit community organizations that focus on serving the needs of others. Rooted in servant leadership, the Foundation awards grants to agencies that can make big impacts in four key areas: health & wellness, youth enrichment, the arts, and the community. Nonprofit organizations located in or near cities where Do it Best has business operations are given priority consideration. To learn how you can support the work of the Do it Best Foundation, follow us on Instagram and visit doitbestfoundation.org.

About the True Value Foundation

The True Value Foundation (TVF) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization aimed to support youth-focused organizations in the communities that True Value and its retailers serve. Since 2009, TVF’s mission has been focused on helping youth succeed with the tools and resources to achieve their full potential. The foundation advocates for youth and catalyzes to provide tools and resources to help youth realize their dreams and achieve their potential. We encourage our partners to get involved and give back through volunteerism, mentorship, community improvements, and raising funds. Visit truevaluecompany.com/true-value-foundation to learn more.