California

State Farm, Girl Scouts, and Assemblyman Morrell Partner to Bring Easter Fun to Those in Need

Holidays can be tough for a family in need, and Easter is no exception. Recently, State Farm came together with Girl Scout Troup #12444 from Upland’s Valencia Middle School and California Assemblyman Mike Morrell to create Easter baskets for the Foothill Family Shelter and Salvation Army of Redlands.

Assemblyman Mike Morrell, who learned about the annual partnership during a legislative visit with some State Farm constituents, was excited to get involved.

“It is nice to see companies partner with community organizations on multiple levels,” he said. “It”s great to see these lovely ladies [girl scouts] serving their community. Volunteers with a big heart will always do better than most government agencies.”

State Farm has partnered with the Foothill Family Shelter for the last 17 years. As word spread about the partnership, contributions to the Easter effort began to far exceed the amount of goods needed to fill baskets. So eight years ago, State Farm added the Salvation Army of Redlands to their list of Easter basket recipients.

Megan Nehamen, Community Development Director for the Foothill Family Shelter said, “Our families have been lucky recipients for the past 17 years and have been extremely grateful. State Farm’s generosity relieves stress on the families knowing their children will have Easter baskets.”

Patrick Lyons of the Salvation Army echoed her comments. “In our work with disasters, I have had several opportunities to work with State Farm,” he said. “Compassion and helpfulness are your hallmarks. As we give out these baskets to ‘at risk’ youth at our Easter Sunday Community meal, these aspects of the State Farm community will be displayed openly on the faces of some very special children.”

A total of 150 baskets were made this year. State Farm employees in the Rancho Cucamonga office worked with Girl Scout Troup #12444 to make an assembly line, ensuring each basket had an assortment of candy and toys.

Giving back to the community epitomizes State Farm’s commitment to be like a good neighbor. During the event, Assemblyman Morrell spoke to the volunteers, providing words of encouragement and appreciation.

The community work also helped the girl scout troop toward earning their bronze star – the highest award a Girl Scout Junior can achieve.

“It involves the girls working to improve their community while building their leadership skills,” said State Farm employee Cindy Lopez, who works with the Girl Scouts. “Helping with the Easter baskets allowed them to fulfill their community service hours and directly see the impact they are having on those who aren’t as fortunate.”