U.S. Bank and the American Red Cross have announced a new partnership that will provide disaster preparedness funding, opportunities for customer contributions, and increased employee volunteer opportunities.

The partnership includes a number of important components, including:

An annual commitment of $250,000 from U.S. Bank that will help the Red Cross prepare for vital disaster services; and the opportunity for customers in local markets to contribute at designated U.S. Bank ATMs when disaster strikes their community or region.

In connection with National American Red Cross month in March, U.S. Bank will kick off Employee Awareness and Preparedness Fairs for the bank’s 65,000 employees across the nation. Fairs will take place throughout the year.

In addition, U.S. Bank will work closely with the Red Cross to provide opportunities for employees to donate blood and volunteer time to the charity.

“This exciting new partnership extends U.S. Bank support of American Red Cross disaster relief efforts to new levels,” said Richard Davis, chairman, president and chief executive officer of U.S. Bancorp, the parent company of U.S. Bank. “Over the years, U.S. Bank has supported the Red Cross through disaster relief grants. Our new commitment of $250,000 annually along with our ATM initiative will ensure that our customers and employees can more readily support the cities and towns affected by disasters.”

Red Cross officials also expressed their excitement at the partnership.

“The Red Cross is thrilled to be expanding our partnership with U.S. Bank,” said Neal Litvack, chief development officer for the American Red Cross. “The generosity of U.S. Bank and its employees and customers will help the Red Cross provide immediate, essential assistance to disaster victims, and so many others who depend on the Red Cross for help.”

The local American Red Cross office is at 811 Pacific Ave. in Bremerton.