Bobcat expands equipment donations to support Salvation Army disaster response efforts

Bobcat Company has expanded its partnership with The Salvation Army through an additional $465,000 donation of equipment intended to support disaster preparedness and response efforts. The latest contribution brings the company’s total equipment donations to more than $1.35 million since 2024.

In 2024, Bobcat donated 23 pieces of equipment, including forklifts, portable generators and light towers, to assist The Salvation Army’s disaster response operations following Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The equipment was deployed throughout the Southeast to support relief efforts in affected communities.

The newest donation includes portable generators and light towers that will be distributed to Salvation Army locations in Alaska, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri and New York. The equipment is intended to support emergency response operations across multiple regions.

According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, the United States averaged 23 weather and climate disasters causing at least $1 billion in damages annually between 2020 and 2024, compared with an average of three such events per year during the 1980s.

“The support from Bobcat enables our Emergency Disaster Services teams to respond quickly and effectively when communities face disasters,” said Commissioner Merle Heatwole, National Commander of The Salvation Army. “With reliable equipment like generators, forklifts and light towers, we can provide critical services—meals, distribution of emergency supplies, and emotional and spiritual care—without delay. We are deeply grateful for Bobcat’s ongoing partnership and commitment to helping us serve those in greatest need across the country.”

Emergency response organizations often use mobile power and lighting equipment, including generators and light towers, to maintain operations and provide services during and after natural disasters.

Bobcat equipment is frequently used in recovery and cleanup efforts following hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and wildfires.

“Our mission at Bobcat is to empower people to accomplish more, and that includes lifting up communities in their time of greatest need,” said Mike Ballweber, president of Doosan Bobcat North America, Inc. “By deepening our partnership with The Salvation Army, we’re helping their teams reach more individuals, deliver more services and make a greater impact when it matters most.”