FirstEnergy Foundation donates $100,000 to American Red Cross for New Jersey disaster response
NEW JERSEY — The FirstEnergy Foundation has donated $100,000 to the American Red Cross of New Jersey to support disaster preparedness and recovery efforts following severe storms that caused widespread damage across Jersey Central Power & Light’s service territory.
The grant follows JCP&L’s response to four consecutive days of storms over the Fourth of July holiday weekend that brought flooding and severe winds to portions of the utility’s service area.
The donation includes $50,000 for the American Red Cross’ Northern New Jersey response efforts and $50,000 for its newly opened Central New Jersey Disaster Response Command Center in Tinton Falls.
The funding will support emergency response and recovery coordination, cleanup and recovery assistance for storm-impacted families, and community preparedness programs and resources.
Approximately 5,700 JCP&L employees, contractors and support personnel responded to damage from the storms, according to FirstEnergy. Crews cleared more than 1,500 downed trees from power lines.
Five businesses and 24 homes also had their electric service temporarily disconnected because of safety concerns, requiring repairs and inspections before service could be restored.
“JCP&L’s commitment to our communities extends beyond just delivering electricity. We aim to make our towns better places to live and work. The American Red Cross exemplifies that same commitment through its preparedness and response efforts during emergencies. We’re proud to support the Red Cross after the recent storms, bolstering their critical services to our friends and neighbors in their time of need,” said Doug Mokoid, FirstEnergy’s President, New Jersey.
“As we’ve seen with recent severe weather and other disasters in New Jersey, families are relying on the Red Cross now more than ever. We are grateful to JCP&L for supporting our preparedness and relief efforts, ensuring we can provide help and hope to those facing dark days,” said Sara Huisking, Regional Disaster Officer, American Red Cross New Jersey.
