AUSTIN (NOVEMBER 7, 2009)—As the echoes of gunfire faded Thursday at Fort Hood in the aftermath of the worst shooting in history on a U.S. military base, the Central Texas-Fort Hood Chapter of the Association of the United States Army responded quickly, establishing a fund for the victims and their families.

On Saturday, H-E-B gave the chapter’s effort a major boost with a $50,000 donation.

We are deeply saddened by this tragedy, said Winell Herron, group vice president of public affairs and diversity for H-E-B.

“Providing aid in times of disaster is the corner stone of our Helping Here philosophy, which promises to stand by communities during times of crisis,” Herron said.

H-E-B also announced Saturday it has started an in-store tear pad that offers H-E-B customers an opportunity to donate to the fund in increments of $1, $3, or $5, which will be added to their total grocery bills.

All proceeds will go to AUSA’s efforts.