Texas-based H-E-B is no stranger to giving a helping hand to the community, and its Helping Heroes program is one of many community-based programs H-E-B partners participate in within the community. According to the H-E-B website, "Launched in 2005, H-E-B's Helping Heroes is a companywide initiative where H-E-B Partners (employees) from across Texas give back to first responders, pitching in at their neighborhood fire stations to commemorate 9/11."
Videos by Wide Open Country
H-E-B Honors 9/11 Responders with Helping Heroes Program
In 2020 the H-E-B employees "adopted more than 750 fire stations statewide, including more than 200 in Central Texas, 100 in San Antonio and 70 in the Houston area," According to a press release. Due to coronavirus, the September 11th event had to be altered slightly.
Taking a more social-distant approach this year to protect the health and safety of the H-E-B Partners and first responders, H-E-B provided adopted fire stations each with an H-E-B gift card and delivered snacks and more than 7,500 chef-inspired H-E-B Meal Simple meals for emergency personnel to enjoy. Additionally, H-E-B provided Partners throughout the company with H-E-B branded Helping Heroes masks so they can show their support for firefighters, law enforcement, EMS, and other civil servants serving on the front lines.
"'We are honored that through Helping Heroes we are able to give back to our first responders who risk their lives across Texas every day,' said Winell Herron, H-E-B Group Vice President Public Affairs, Diversity and Environmental Affairs. 'Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, these selfless heroes continue to show the fortitude and strength required to care for, support and protect our communities. Their dedication is inspiring, and we are forever grateful for these brave Texans.'
The annual Helping Heroes program is a community service project that recognizes September 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. In 2019 2,800 H-E-B store partners volunteered 8,400 hours serving 700 fire stations and 5,600 hot meals to honor and pay tribute to the brave men and women who gave their lives during the World Trade Center attack.
