As the world navigates a “new normal” and adapts to unique challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s one thing that remains constant—our commitment to support those on the front lines of any battle.
At Lockheed Martin, we understand, now more than ever, the critical need to come together during these unprecedented times – with our community organizations, local governments and neighbors – to provide support to those who need it most.
These efforts start at a global scale and trickle down to the corners of thousands of small communities. In Florida alone, we have donated $680,000 to aid in COVID-19 relief efforts and accelerated more than $37 million to 218 local suppliers—keeping the small businesses that are vital to the mission up and running.
“Supporting the communities where we live and work is part of our core values at Lockheed Martin and we need to work together to combat COVID-19 and its impacts to the community,” said Charlie Hubbs, vice president of finance and business operations at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.
Feeding Our Community
One of the biggest impacts of COVID-19 is the increased need for food assistance in Central Florida. Florida’s economy relies heavily on tourism, and with the closure of theme parks, convention centers, hotels, beaches and restaurants many people are unemployed and cannot afford food. To support hunger relief efforts, we donated $425,000 to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.
“I am proud to recognize Lockheed Martin for stepping up its efforts even further to support our community during this challenging time,” said Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings. “This contribution to Second Harvest Food Bank’s hunger relief efforts will support its critical work to deliver millions of meals to Central Floridians in need.”
The donation will help the organization meet the growing need for food in the community, support its accelerated programs for children and older adults, and lease additional warehouse space to support the high demand.
“During this time of crisis, many of our families are struggling to put food on the table and our non-profits are struggling to meet the increasing needs of our community,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “We are grateful for corporate partners like Lockheed Martin Corporation for helping us, as a community, meet these challenges our residents are facing and providing essential food for our families.”
“It can be hard to express the scale of hunger in our community, especially at a time like this – so we are especially grateful for Lockheed Martin’s generosity,” added Dave Krepcho, president and CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. “But it seems likely that what we see today is the ‘new normal.’ The economic tail of this crisis will far outlast the virus itself – and we must be prepared for that.”
Lockheed Martin has also provided more than 14,180 meals to local charities in Orlando and $40,000 in meal vouchers to support local restaurants on the Space Coast.
Financial Assistance for Families and Schools
Lockheed Martin donated $100,000 to Heart of Florida United Way in Orlando, Central Florida’s largest supporter of local health and human service agencies. On top of the $100,000 donation, we participated in a charity drive match which raised an additional $30,0000. The funds will enable the organization to provide relief to residents whose financial stability is being impacted by the economic consequences of COVID-19, such as unemployment, reduced work hours or being furloughed.
In addition, we donated to the Salvation Army Orlando and supported distance learning in Orange and Seminole county public schools, as well as across the state through the Florida Education Foundation. To see what else we have done to support COVID-19 relief efforts in Florida check out the infographic below.
