Parsippany, N.J., September 6, 2011 - State Farm, the nation’s largest home and auto insurer, has donated over $100,000 to help families recover from Hurricane Irene that caused flooding and power outages across the region. The grants will provide much needed support for food, shelter and clean-up.
New Jersey was one of the heaviest hit areas, and five organizations in the state -- the American Red Cross of Northern N.J., the United Way of Passaic County, and the Department of Health and Human Services for the city of Paterson - are each receiving a $10,000 grant. Receiving grants for just over $5,000 each will be the Salvation Army - NJ Division and the Greater Somerset County Red Cross.
“We are delighted that we have been selected to receive the grant for $10,000 to kick off the City of Paterson’s Hurricane Irene Fund” DHHS Director Donna Nelson-Ivy said.
In Pennsylvania, the American Red Cross of Lehigh Valley and the American Red Cross of Southeastern Pa. are receiving grants of $10,000. In New York, State Farm is partnering with the Crofts Corner Fire Company; Metropolitan Fire Association, Richmond Hill C.E.R.T and Rescue, and the American Red Cross of Northeastern N.Y. with $10,000 grants.
The company brought in national catastrophe team members from across the country to help expedite claim handling in the affected areas, while its Public Affairs department is active in helping families meet their immediate needs of shelter, food and clean water, as well as providing Good NeighBears to children in affected areas.
“Community organizations working in disaster preparedness and recovery are always the first on the scene when disaster strikes,” State Farm spokeswoman Arlene J. Lester said. “We are proud to partner with every one of these organizations and support the work they do for our communities. We also realize that moments like this put an additional burden on non-profit organizations and we hope our assistance will have a positive impact on the work they are doing.”
State Farm policyholders affected by Irene should call their agent or dial 1-800-SFClaim for claim information.
“State Farm applauds the hard work and community spirit the people in the Northeast have shown in response to Irene,” State Farm New Jersey Vice President-Agency John Antonacci said. “State Farm agents, employees and catastrophe teams are doing all we can to help our customers during these difficult times.”
Part of the State Farm mission is to help people recover from the unexpected, and this is our time to display our Good Neighbor spirit.Arlene J. Lester, State Farm Public Affairs, (973) 943-6524
State Farm and its affiliates are the largest provider of car insurance in the U.S. and is a leading insurer in Canada. In addition to providing auto insurance quotes, its 17,800 agents and more than 65,000 employees serve 81 million policies and accounts - more than 79 million auto, home, life and health policies in the United States and Canada, and nearly 2 million bank accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with coverage for renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is also available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 37 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit http://www.statefarm.com or in Canada http://www.statefarm.ca.
