PIA OF GA. DONATIONS TO KATRINA VICTIMS TOTAL MORE THAN $23,000

Eighty-five agents, agencies and company partner members of the Professional Insurance Agents of Georgia have donated more than $23,000 to help the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army meet the needs of individual hit by Hurricane Katrina.

On Sept. 21 Kimberley J. Stufflet, PIA of Georgia president, presented the association’s second donation, a check for $12,800 to the Salvation Army and American Red Cross.

The second check supplements one presented to the organizations on Sept. 14 totaling $8,647.

Stufflet advised there is still time for anyone interested in donating to this worthy cause to send the organization checks payable to either the American Red Cross or the Salvation Army.

“As long as the contributions continue, we will continue to deliver your donations each week,” Stufflet said.

Within days after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America had established a Katrina Relief Fund.

“We didn’t wait,” Hagler said. “But with the relief fund established by InsurBanc and IIABA, members can make tax deductible contributions on line. The key is to send the help our friends need without delay.”

David Lewis, IIAG president, emphasized this relief is targeted to Big “I” members and their employees.

“I have spoken with agents from the stricken areas,” Lewis said. “Some of our colleagues are homeless and without offices. They are dealing with the same problems as every other hurricane victim, but they continue to take care of their insureds. We are helping take care of them. We are family. They would do the same for us.”

Since 1898 IIAG has been in the business of helping independent insurance agents, Hagler said.