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Goodyear to Help Victims of Oklahoma, Kansas Tornadoes

5 May 1999

Goodyear to Help Victims of Oklahoma, Kansas Tornadoes

    AKRON, Ohio, May 4 -- Responding to the devastation caused by
powerful tornadoes that hit Oklahoma and Kansas yesterday, The Goodyear Tire &
Rubber Company offered its assistance.
    The company, today, contributed $50,000 to the American Red Cross Disaster
Relief Fund to aid that organization's efforts in the two states.  Goodyear
operates tire plants in Lawton, Okla., and Topeka, Kan.
    In addition, Goodyear Chairman and CEO Samir G. Gibara has written
Oklahoma Gov. Frank Keating and Kansas Gov. Bill Graves offering the
tiremaker's assistance.
    "On behalf of all Goodyear associates, I want to express our sadness and
deepest sympathy for the families of the victims of the catastrophic
tornadoes.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of those who have suffered
as a result of this disaster," Gibara wrote.
    "The Goodyear organizations in Lawton, Topeka and Akron stand ready to
provide any support and assistance that we possibly can to help in the
immediate clean up and in the recovery afterwards."
    News agencies have reported that more than three dozen tornadoes destroyed
thousands of homes and entire neighborhoods in the Oklahoma City, Okla., and
Wichita, Kan., areas.  At least 45 people were killed.
    Reports from Goodyear facilities indicate that no associates suffered
losses, though many have family members who live in the communities hit by the
storms.