GRAINGER'S BUCKET BUILD VOLUNTEERS ASSEMBLED MORE THAN 4,000 DISASTER RELIEF KITS TO SUPPORT COMMUNITIES ACROSS NORTH AMERICA

CHICAGO, Sept. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Grainger (NYSE: GWW), a leading broad line distributor of maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) products and services, hosted its fourth annual Grainger Bucket Build yesterday. The volunteer event brought together nearly 500 Grainger team members, ToolBank USA partners and students from YouthBuild Lake County and YouthBuild Waukegan to assemble more than 4,000 disaster relief kits at the company's Lake Forest headquarters.

Volunteers assembled the disaster relief kits by filling five-gallon buckets with essential cleaning supplies and hand tools that will help families and individuals begin the process of recovery after a natural disaster.

"I'm inspired by the pride and compassion our team members showed at the Bucket Build, and grateful for the collaboration with YouthBuild Global, our local YouthBuild programs and ToolBank USA," said Melanie Tinto, Chief Human Resources Officer at Grainger. "This event reflects our commitment to building resilient communities by creating long-term opportunities for recovery, workforce development and empowerment. It's a privilege to work together with our partners to keep the world working."

The disaster relief kits will be distributed by ToolBank USA to communities affected by future natural disasters, which may include families and individuals in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Panama City, Tampa, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Previously, kits have been deployed in the wake of hurricanes, wildfires, floods and other natural disasters.

"We are incredibly grateful for our continued partnership with Grainger as we head into our third year as their disaster relief bucket distribution partner," said Trey Bearden, CEO of ToolBank USA. "These kits provide critical tools and supplies that help communities recover after devastating storms. Our disaster services team looks forward to putting them into the hands of those currently navigating recovery, as well as communities that will face disasters in the future."

About Grainger

W.W. Grainger, Inc., is a leading broad line distributor with operations primarily in North America, Japan and the United Kingdom. At Grainger, We Keep the World Working® by serving more than 4.5 million customers worldwide with maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) products and value-added solutions delivered through innovative technology and deep customer expertise. Known for its commitment to service and purpose-driven culture, the Company reported 2024 revenue of $17.2 billion. For more information, visit www.grainger.com.

About ToolBank USA

ToolBank USA is a national nonprofit organization that provides tools and equipment to support community organizations and volunteers. Through a network of local ToolBanks across the country, the organization helps nonprofits and schools tackle projects, reduce costs, and make a lasting impact in their communities. ToolBank USA's mission is to help others build stronger communities through access to tools and resources, including its vital Disaster Services program, which provides tools and staff to assist with disaster recovery efforts.

About YouthBuild

With love and respect, YouthBuild partners with opportunity youth to build the skillsets and mindsets that lead to lifelong learning, livelihood, and leadership. At more than 320 YouthBuild programs around the world, young people who are out of school and out of work reclaim their education, gain job skills and credentials, and become leaders in their communities. To date, YouthBuild has partnered with more than 210,000 young people to dedicate over 52 million hours of service benefitting rural, urban, suburban, and tribal communities. YouthBuild Global — the headquarters for the YouthBuild movement — unifies and partners with this expansive network of YouthBuild programs. From training, technical assistance, capacity building, and innovative program enhancements to leadership development, financial stability, and narrative change and public policy, YouthBuild Global serves as a convener, collaborator, and catalyst for the entire YouthBuild movement. YouthBuild strives to create a world where all young people are seen for their potential and power to transform themselves and their communities.

For more information about YouthBuild Global and the YouthBuild movement, visit YouthBuild.org.

SOURCE W.W. Grainger, Inc.