Packaging: Buckhorn assists with tornado disaster relief efforts

In the wake of devastating tornadoes that have shattered parts of the U.S., Buckhorn Inc., a leading provider of reusable plastic packaging and material handling systems, recently donated more than 1,800 plastic totes and pallets to community outreach programs in Northwest Alabama and Joplin, Missouri.

First, Buckhorn joined forces with TNT Fireworks, based in Florence, Ala., to donate over 500 attached lid totes to the local Salvation Army. The totes are primarily being used to help sort goods like non-perishable food items or household products. Eventually, the containers will make kits filled with food and hygiene supplies, which will then be distributed to families in Phil Campbell and Hackleburg afflicted by an EF5 tornado.

TNT Fireworks, a Buckhorn customer and leader in wholesale distribution for 1.4G Class C Fireworks for over 50 years, is the most recognizable brand around. “Part of our culture at TNT is our dedication to community outreach,” said Jim Gough, Marketing Manager.

“The Salvation Army is an outstanding organization. We have supported them for years through various projects like the red kettle campaign. Wherever they are needed, they go. We just want to do our part to pitch in, and we appreciate Buckhorn’s support,” commented Gough. “Buckhorn’s attached lid totes are a reusable, multi-purpose solution. This is important to the Salvation Army, because of the large number of donated items that need sorted, stored, assembled and transported. The totes have definitely helped make their operation more efficient.”

Shortly after the tornados in Alabama, Buckhorn was called to action again, but this time the destruction hit closer to home. Buckhorn’s largest plant, located in Springfield, Missouri, is just a little over 70 miles east of Joplin where another tragic tornado took the lives of more than 140 people.

Buckhorn quickly recognized the need to assist and donated approximately 100 plastic pallets to Ozarks Technical Community College to help transport goods donated by local residents. Additionally, Buckhorn contributed more than 1,200 straight wall containers to the non-profit organization, Convoy of Hope. Convoy of Hope, also based out of Springfield, Missouri, was founded in 1994 and has served more than 43 million people throughout the world through international children’s feeding initiatives, community outreaches, disaster response and partner resourcing. No matter what they are doing, their objective is to always deliver much-needed food, supplies and hope to the impoverished and suffering.

They are currently making four trips daily to Joplin, assisting families devastated by the wreckage. “I am proud that we could work with our customers and other charitable organizations to make a difference in these communities,” said Rob Tieman, Director of Sales and Marketing at Buckhorn. “When tragedy strikes, particularly so close to home, it reminds us of how fortunate we are. Buckhorn is thankful to be in a position to help.”

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