According to the Red Cross, financial donations make the greatest and most immediate impact, helping provide food, shelter, and emotional support.

Damien Winiarski has been employed in the plumbing industry since August 2005. He started off as a plumber’s assistant and worked for plumbing contractors on the Northwest side of Chicago. On July 28, 2012, Winiarski was involved in a motor vehicle accident, which left him paralyzed at the T 12 level.

Knaack LLC has helped to support the good works of the Salina Rescue Mission in Salina, Kan., which was profiled on country music star Trace Adkins’ show that seeks out and lends a hand to the regular, small-town men and women he calls Great American Heroes.

Aireco Supply Inc. donated a complete Frigidaire high-efficiency, Energy Star-rated HVAC system accompanied by an Arzel Zoning System to help in the construction of a specially adapted home for Staff Sgt. Kelly Keck in Havre de Grace, Md.

Ace is donating several hundred thousand dollars in the next two years to deserving teachers nominated for the award.

When Make-A-Wish®, the nonprofit organization that grants the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses, offered to grant Diego a wish, it came as no surprise to his parents that the wish involved dinosaurs.

The company has created a special financing option for homeowners impacted by the storm; developed a donation effort with its distributor partners in the region; and is leading an online fundraising initiative benefiting the American Red Cross relief efforts.

Arzel Zoning hosted a month-long fundraiser to benefit the American Red Cross’ Hurricane Sandy relief effort. Arzel contributed a dollar on behalf of every new follower obtained on its Twitter account. The campaign ran throughout the month of November.

Water heater manufacturer A. O. Smith donated 40 water heaters to the Joplin, Mo., area Habitat for Humanity® to be used in 40 habitat homes benefiting the victims of the 2011 storms.