With winter break fast approaching, Erie Insurance has stepped up to support students at Pfeiffer-Burleigh Elementary School, ensuring they won’t go hungry during the holidays. This year marks the eighth annual initiative of its kind, where Erie Insurance employees came together to donate, pack, and distribute food bags to the children, reflecting the company’s commitment to community welfare.
On the eve of the winter holidays, employees from Erie Insurance, along with the United Way of Erie County, packed and delivered 647 bags of nutritious food, one for each family at the school. The contents of the bags included breakfast staples and comfort food items such as cereal, pasta, peanut butter, soup, granola bars, and even snacks like macaroni and cheese. Each bag also contained games to encourage family bonding during the festive season, ensuring not just nourishment but also togetherness.
Alicia Pelkowski, vice president of customer service at Erie Insurance, expressed the heartwarming impact of this initiative. “It’s very heartwarming, the students are very excited they look forward to this, and it helps just between the break between Christmas and when they come back to school after the new year,” Pelkowski stated. This sentiment resonates deeply within the community, highlighting the importance of such efforts during times when school-provided meal programs cease.
Principal Jamie Petruso of Pfeiffer-Burleigh Elementary shared her appreciation for the partnership with Erie Insurance, emphasizing how it directly benefits the students and families. “If we need something, they’re always welcome to bring in and help support our students and families,” she noted. Petruso emphasized the necessity of these food bags, especially for children who rely on school meals for their daily nutrition.
Erie Insurance’s commitment to community service through programs like this reflects its desire to make tangible contributions, particularly during the winter season when many need it most. The company believes it is important to maintain strong relationships with local communities, and initiatives such as the holiday food distribution program are pivotal.
The collaboration with the United Way of Erie County enhances the reach and effectiveness of these efforts, ensuring families who may otherwise struggle are afforded some comfort and care. The generosity displayed through the donation of food as well as the provision of games encourages families to connect and spend quality time together, making their holiday season more special, especially during challenging times.
This initiative is not just about food; it instills hope and camaraderie among the families at Pfeiffer-Burleigh Elementary. For many, it serves as a reminder of the kindness and support available within their community, fostering goodwill during the festive time.
With the conclusion of another successful year of community partnership, Erie Insurance looks forward to continuing its support and nurturing relationships with community institutions. The holiday food distribution serves as just one example of how corporate partners can make significant differences at the local level, with heartfelt gestures of support, love, and community spirit.
