The company donated 40 electric water heaters to the Joplin, Mo., Area Habitat for Humanity to be used in homes benefiting the victims of the May 2011 tornados.

A.O. Smith donated 40 ProMax 50-gal. electric water heaters to the Joplin, Mo., Area Habitat for Humanity to be used in Habitat homes benefiting the victims of the May 2011 tornados that destroyed one-third of the city and affected 7,000 households. Photo credit: A.O. Smith.


Water heater manufacturer A.O. Smith ( www.hotwater.com) recently donated 40 ProMax 50-gal. electric water heaters to the Joplin, Mo., Area Habitat for Humanity to be used in 40 Habitat homes benefiting the victims of the May 2011 tornados that ravaged Joplin, killing 161, destroying one-third of the city and affecting 7,000 households.

Since then, Habitat has completed 20 homes for displaced families, with an additional 40 under construction. So far, 13 A.O. Smith ProMax 50-gallon electric water heaters have been installed in these homes. 

"As someone who grew up in the area, our hearts go out to our neighbors in Joplin," said Paul W. Jones, chairman and chief executive officer of A.O. Smith. "A.O. Smith stands by Habitat for Humanity’s mission to provide safe housing for all and is honored to provide Joplin’s storm victims with the best water heating technology available."

A.O. Smith has made past donations to various Habitat for Humanity chapters. This year’s Joplin donation is among the largest, matched only by one other 40-heater donation in 2011 to the Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity. 

"As we work to rebuild our community, we are truly grateful for the assistance provided by our partners like A.O. Smith," said Scott Clayton, executive director for the Joplin Area Habitat for Humanity. "Their help is essential to our rebuilding efforts."