(Tamuning, Guam) - As part of its 110th anniversary celebration, Atkins Kroll Toyota presented the American Red Cross Guam Chapter with a 2024 Toyota Tacoma today, April 23, 2024, during a ceremony at the AK Toyota Showroom in Tamuning. The American Red Cross donation kicks off AK’s anniversary celebration and is integral to the week-long festivities.

Alex Yap, president of Atkins Kroll - Guam and Saipan, said, “Our motto is Here for Guam, Here for Life, and we are starting off our anniversary week celebration by reiterating our commitment to the community we serve and recognizing organizations that make our island a better place to live, work, and play. Our mission is to align what we do best as an automobile distributor, which is mobility, and connect to organizations that need our support to continue to do their good work in the community.”

“Our donation of the 2024 Toyota Tacoma to the American Red Cross is not just a vehicle, but a symbol of our commitment to the community. This marks AK’s second vehicle donation to the charity, a testament to our ongoing support,” added Yap.

Chita Blaise, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Guam Chapter, said, “We are grateful to AK for this generous donation to the American Red Cross. We are fortunate to have received past vehicle donations from AK. Typhoon Mawar damaged one of the Toyota trucks we previously received, so this donation is crucial for our organization’s operation.”

According to Blaise, losing one of its trucks placed the Red Cross in a challenging position. She said, “We rely on the use of vehicles to allow us to fulfill our mission, and our chapter has been operating with one vehicle to complete the activities in our service delivery that includes feeding and sheltering clients in need, assessing clients for mental health needs, and surveying property damages to assist families. AK’s donation will greatly improve how we respond in emergencies and allow us to serve more needy residents.”

In 2023, ARC provided 169,000 meals to residents affected by Typhoon Mawar. The organization responded and provided financial assistance to 1,500 families whose homes were either damaged or destroyed and supported more than 20 families who lost their homes due to fire.

AK president Yap added, “The Atkins Kroll Leadership Team recognizes the extensive humanitarian aid that the American Red Cross Guam Chapter provides the residents of Guam and is proud to provide this 2024 Toyota Tacoma to support ARC’s service mission. We thank ARC for its valuable service to our community and applaud its vital role in making Guam a better place.”