WASHINGTON - Burger King Corp. continues its partnership with the American Red Cross by offering customers the opportunity to help purchase emergency response vehicles. More than 300 emergency response vehicles are maintained by the Red Cross across the United States, according to the organization.

From April 1 – 30 Burger King restaurant guests nationwide will be invited to make a $1 donation to the Red Cross at restaurant counters and drive-thru windows. All contributions will go directly to the Red Cross for the purchase of emergency response vehicles.

“BKC has worked with the Red Cross over the years to help provide essential emergency assistance following disastrous events in our country’s history such as Sept. 11 and Hurricane Katrina,” said Steve Wiborg, president, BKC North America. “With our new emergency response vehicle fundraising initiative, our restaurant guests across the country can also help support the American Red Cross and the exemplary work they do in the communities where we work and live.”

The vehicles enable the Red Cross to assist with a range of relief efforts, from people affected by house fires to hurricane, wildfires, earthquakes, floods, and ice storms.

“Our emergency response vehicles are the workhorses of the Red Cross effort to deliver necessities and comfort after disasters,” said Charley Shimanski, senior vice president of disaster services at the Red Cross. “What better way to feed disaster victims, than through the generosity of BKC and its restaurant patrons. This gift will help the Red Cross meet the needs of our neighbors, whether they are down the street or in the next state.”

The Red Cross responds to nearly 70,000 disasters every year, most of them house fires in local communities around the nation.