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Erie Insurance honored Downing and Gayle Insurance Services of Raleigh, NC with its inaugural Giving Network Agency of the Year Award for outstanding community service. Pamela & Allen Gayle, co-owners of the agency, were presented with the award at the company’s Raleigh Annual Dinner Meeting.
In honor of the agency’s efforts, Erie Insurance donated $2,500 to Operation Christmas Child (OCC/a ministry of Samaritans Purse), a nonprofit organization that collects shoe boxes filled with toys, school supplies and personal care items and distributes them to needy children around the world.
“We are truly honored to be recognized for our work and are thrilled that Operation Christmas Child will be the first beneficiary of this award,” said Pamela Gayle. The Gayle’s (deleted line)have volunteered with OCC for over 10 years by collecting supplies, organizing volunteers and packing shoe boxes all year long. Allen Gayle has designed and distributed hundreds of custom-made boxes for the project to area schools, churches and civic organizations. “Our service would not be possible were it not for the support of our office manager, Nancy Kontio. Besides keeping the operations running in our absence, Nancy has personally wrapped hundreds of shoe boxes to be used by us for the ministry.” says Allen.
“Allen and Pamela Gayle have been instrumental in packing thousands and thousands of shoe boxes over the years,” said Barbara Ralston, OCC Triangle Area Volunteer Coordinator. “While the busiest time for Operation Christmas Child is during our national collection week in November, the bulk of the work is sustained by yearlong volunteers like the Gayle’s.” Last year, OCC donated and delivered 8.2 million shoe boxes to children in need. “While OCC is only one of many nonprofits that we participate with during the year, it is truly our favorite.” says Allen.
The Erie Insurance Giving Network Agency of the Year award recognizes independent agencies who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to community through volunteerism. The award is part of the Erie Insurance Giving Network, which supports community organizations through charitable donations and volunteerism.
“For over 85 years, Erie Insurance has been giving back in the communities where we live and work,” said Ann Scott, diversity and community outreach director. “We’re proud to continue that tradition by supporting the efforts of Downing & Gayle Insurance Services.”
