Grainger Assembles 4,000 Disaster Relief Kits

Grainger has assembled more than 4,000 disaster relief kits through its fifth annual Bucket Build, bringing together more than 500 volunteers at its Lake Forest, Illinois headquarters. The MRO products and services distributor partnered with ToolBank USA, alongside students from YouthBuild Lake County and YouthBuild Waukegan, for the initiative. Volunteers filled five-gallon buckets with Grainger-donated cleaning supplies and hand tools for future disaster response and recovery efforts across North America. The programme also gave YouthBuild students the opportunity to volunteer with Grainger team members and learn about careers in skilled trades and the supply chain industry.

Kits Ready For Deployment

The kits are designed to support families with clean-up, repairs and initial recovery efforts after natural disasters. ToolBank USA will distribute them to communities affected by future events, with potential deployment locations including Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Panama City, Tampa and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Earlier Bucket Build kits have been deployed following hurricanes, wildfires, floods and other natural disasters.

Melanie Tinto, Chief Human Resources Officer at Grainger, said:

“Seeing our team members come together with ToolBank USA and YouthBuild programs reminds us of what's possible when we invest in people and communities. The Bucket Build is more than assembling supplies; it's about working together to help communities recover when disaster strikes while creating pathways to meaningful work. We're proud to partner with organizations that share our commitment to keeping the world working.”

Four Years Of Partnership

The 2026 event is the fourth consecutive year that YouthBuild students have taken part in Grainger’s Bucket Build. ToolBank USA is also entering its fourth year as Grainger’s disaster relief bucket distribution partner.

Over the past few years, the buckets have reached 97 communities across the continental US, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.

Trey Bearden, CEO of ToolBank USA, said:

“We're proud to continue our partnership with Grainger as we enter our fourth year as their disaster relief bucket distribution partner. Over the past few years, these buckets have been distributed to 97 communities across the continental U.S., Hawaii, and Puerto Rico, providing critical tools and supplies to families and communities when they are needed most. Each kit plays an important role in helping communities recover after devastating storms, and our Disaster Services team is committed to getting them into the hands of those navigating recovery today while also preparing for the challenges ahead.”

Supporting Youth Development

Grainger’s support for YouthBuild also includes volunteering alongside students at food banks and backing energy infrastructure career training in Texas. The Bucket Build places students alongside company volunteers while introducing opportunities in skilled trades and supply chain work.

John Valverde, President and CEO of YouthBuild Global, said:

“Young people have the talent and determination to rebuild communities while transforming their lives. Grainger's support extends well beyond today's event — from volunteering alongside YouthBuild students at food banks to supporting energy infrastructure career training in Texas — and it's a model for how businesses can stand alongside young people as they work to realize their fullest potential.”

Preparing Communities For Recovery

Grainger’s latest Bucket Build brings together employee volunteers, community partners and donated supplies to prepare 4,000 kits for distribution after future natural disasters. The initiative combines disaster recovery support with opportunities for YouthBuild students to take part in a community-focused volunteering event.