American Family Insurance partners with local school district and others for drive-through community donation event

Volunteers from American Family Insurance and Isaac School District No. 5 in Phoenix recently distributed 4,000 bags of donated Procter & Gamble (P&G) personal hygiene and cleaning products to families during a drive-through event. Personal protection equipment (PPE) items were also donated to schools.

American Family and Isaac staff, employees and volunteers spent many hours moving, separating and bagging the semi-truck of items to benefit thousands of families affected by COVID-19. Donations were valued at more than $200,000.

Cesar Morales, American Family Insurance bilingual operations manager, helped coordinate the event through his association as a hub leader with The Hispanic Star, and organization that, among other objectives, seeks to showcase and amplify the contributions of the Hispanic community, as well as Claudia Romo Edelman, founder of We are All Human, whose organization is supporting the Hispanic community during COVID-19.

“I was grateful when the Hispanic Star chose me to be the hub leader in Phoenix because the organization aims to take action to support Hispanic people while unifying towards the change perception and inclusion of our community in the US,” said Morales.

“We also know that communities of color have been more negatively affected by the pandemic, and Isaac School District is 98 percent Hispanic,” he said.

When Cesar learned from the organization that P&G was willing to donate the products if shipping and distribution were covered, he took action to make it happen, with the help of other Phoenix American Family employees. The American Family Insurance Dreams Foundation made a donation to cover shipping costs, and Cesar coordinated the sorting, packing and distribution as well as the volunteers to do the work, including school district and American Family sales representatives.

“As immigrants my family struggled, but our resilience, strong values, hard work and optimism made it possible to overcome challenges and ultimately lead me to a successful life and career,” said Morales. “This community needs allies to help put a spotlight on the contributions of the more than 60 million Hispanic people in the U.S. and to help when we can."

"This event had companies, non-profit organizations and individuals all contributing to assist families in need during COVID -19, he said. "It proves we are stronger together.”

Watch this video from the event:

In addition, a local agency owner, John Herrera, coordinated P&G product bag donations to Creciendo Unidos/Growing Together, a non-profit organization serving the Hispanic community committed to creating healthier communities. And Phoenix Elementary School District No. 1 distributed 2,000 bags via their meal program distribution program.

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About American Family Insurance Group
Based in Madison, Wisconsin, American Family Insurance is the nation’s 13th-largest property/casualty insurance group, ranking No. 254 on the Fortune 500 list. American Family Insurance group has been serving customers since 1927. They inspire, protect and restore dreams through its insurance products, exceptional service from agency owners and employees, and community investment and creative partnerships to address societal challenges. They act on their belief in diversity and inclusion by constantly evolving to meet customer needs and preferences.

About Hispanic Star
The Hispanic Star Campaign represents an unparalleled collective effort to create a platform to showcase and amplify the contributions of the Hispanic community to the United States, not only as an integral part of the American culture but also an undeniable force shaping its future. The Hispanic Star seeks to unify Hispanics and bring solutions that help them overcome barriers. Leading companies, Hispanic organizations and community leaders have joined together, providing relief to people in need, opportunities for career development and support Hispanic families.

About Isaac School District
Isaac School District serves approximately 5,400 students in the Maryvale community and is located in the West Phoenix Metropolitan area. Isaac has 11 schools total: 1 K-8 school, 2 middle schools, 7 elementary schools, and 1 preschool. Isaac is a one hundred percent Title I district and provides free and reduced lunch to all students. The school population is approximately ninety-eight percent Hispanic.