McCain Foods USA says it established a wide-ranging partnership with the American Red Cross that strengthens emergency preparation and response at McCain communities nationwide.

Under the tagline "Do Something Good," McCain has agreed to purchase and donate one emergency response vehicle (ERV) each year to each of its local plant communities nationwide. The first ERV was to be delivered to Easton, Maine, this January.

For their part, local Red Cross organizations will be hosting a range of activities at McCain plants in the local communities. These activities include health and safety education forums, preparedness training and blood drives. Employees also may volunteer in Red Cross activities or participate in an employee contribution campaign.

"What is truly special about our relationship with the Red Cross is how this partnership will provide tremendous emergency and disaster support in the communities where McCain people and their families live," says Anne Linsdau, McCain Foods' vice president of human resources.