‘Allstate Give Back Day’ prepares for volunteerism focus on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

NORTHBROOK, IL – Allstate Insurance Company announced that it is once again encouraging volunteerism on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, to be observed in cities across the country on January 18, 2010.  As part of the company’s recognition of Dr. King’s vision and its own commitment to volunteerism, Allstate is also honoring four African-American volunteers who generously serve their communities through extensive volunteer efforts and continuously make a positive impact in their neighborhoods.

Lucy Hall-Gainer from Atlanta, Xavier Jefferies from Charlotte, N.C., Marquis Smith from Washington, D.C., and Deanna Woods from Chicago have been designated as the inaugural Allstate Give Back Day Heroes.  Each has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to making positive contributions in their communities through volunteering their time and effort to important causes.

“Allstate Give Back Day reinforces the importance of giving back to your community and this year we’re excited to recognize four special individuals who demonstrate a commitment to volunteerism and giving back just as Martin Luther King, Jr. did,” said Anise Wiley-Little, assistant vice president and chief diversity officer for Allstate.  “We hope their stories inspire people to put their ‘good hands’ to good work in their own neighborhoods, not just on Give Back Day but throughout the year.”

As part of their recognition, each Hero will attend the King Center’s “Salute to Greatness” Awards Banquet in Atlanta on January 16, 2010 alongside Allstate chairman, president and chief executive officer, Tom Wilson.  Allstate will be presented with the “Salute to Greatness” Award on behalf of the company’s ongoing dedication to the principles and philosophy of Dr. King during the reception.  Each Hero will participate in an Allstate volunteer event in their hometown alongside Allstate employees and local citizens on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Allstate is encouraging citizens interested in participating in Give Back Day on January 18, 2010 to visit BeyondFebruary.com to find volunteer opportunities in their communities.  This interactive Web site links to VolunteerMatch, an online search engine that promotes volunteerism and civic engagement by matching volunteers with charitable organizations and non-profits.  VolunteerMatch contains thousands of volunteer opportunities in communities all across the country.  Additionally, visitors to the Web site can view profiles of the four Give Back Day Heroes and learn about their community involvement through a series of video interviews and blog posts.

Allstate is continuing to collaborate with the King Center in Atlanta to celebrate its second annual Allstate Give Back Day initiative by hosting a volunteer rally after the annual commemorative service honoring Dr. King at Ebenezer Baptist Church on the morning of January 18, 2010.  To reinforce the company’s commitment to giving back, Allstate also is mobilizing Give Back Day events in markets across the country, to reinforce the dedication that Dr. King had to giving back to the community with a wide range of projects.

“Allstate has truly stepped up by creating Give Back Day, an outstanding volunteer initiative that embodies the spirit of my father and everything he fought for,” said Bernice King, Dr. King’s youngest daughter.  “But an even greater tribute to my father’s legacy is evidenced by the people, like the Give Back Day Heroes, who demonstrate the commitment to serve their communities throughout the year, not just on MLK Day.”