Insurers Donate Cash, Jobs To Charley Victims

By Mark E. Ruquet

NU Online News Service, Aug. 20, 9;46 a.m. EDT?The "Good Hands" Allstate people and other insurers are reaching out to help the victims of Hurricane Charley in more ways than just claims service.[@@]

The Allstate Foundation said it established a $1 million fund to aid in the recovery and rebuilding efforts in response to the devastation of Hurricane Charley. The foundation is an independent, charitable organization made possible by Northbrook, Ill.-based Allstate Corporation.

Other carriers also reported providing additional assistance for hurricane victims ranging from cash to comfort items..

Allstate said the Southwest Florida Community Foundation has been chosen to distribute the $1 million.

Funds will be distributed to nonprofit organizations that support programs to aid rebuilding and recovery efforts in the counties impacted by Hurricane Charley.

The money is earmarked to go to such needs as emergency shelter, food and clothing, health issues (as a direct result of the hurricane), social services, mental health recovery efforts, community cleanup, rebuilding and restoring community emergency services, and assistance with home re-construction resident permit processing.

"Speaking from experience, we recognize the difficulties communities face after a disaster like Hurricane Charley," said Phil Lawson, field vice president for Allstate Floridian Insurance Company, in a statement. "With the establishment of this $1 Million Disaster Recovery Fund, The Allstate Foundation is helping the people of Florida prepare for a new tomorrow."

"The devastation to Florida communities from Hurricane Charley is staggering," said Susan Bennett, chairman of the board, Southwest Florida Community Foundation.

She added that the money "will enable us to help meet the immediate recovery period needs of our communities and also support vital rebuilding efforts over the coming months."

Allstate is not the only insurer contributing to the relief effort. Last week, State Farm donated $100,000 to the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund to initiate relief efforts. Company spokesman Phil Supple said employees are also chipping in with their own relief drive to aid the victims of Hurricane Charley.

Progressive and GEICO are also helping by offering assistance outside of claims management.

People who have lost their jobs because of Charley can apply for a job with Progressive. If hired, the company will make a one-time payment to them of $1,000 for claims positions and $500 for sales or service.

The company is also offering drinks and convenience items to anyone at one of its eight catastrophe claims centers in the storm stricken areas from Ft. Myers to Daytona Beach. It is also matching employee contributions to charitable organizations.

GEICO said its people were out with supplies of water, battery-operated fans and cell phones for residents the morning after the hurricane, and its Geckomobile is ferrying provisions into stricken areas.

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Insurers Donate Cash, Jobs To Charley Victims

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