Independence Blue Cross celebrates 15-year volunteer milestone; donates over 8,000 in service hours in 2015

PHILADELPHIA, April 11, 2016 -- Independence Blue Cross (Independence) is proud to celebrate the 15th anniversary of its Blue Crew volunteer program, as part of National Volunteer Week, April 10-16. Since its inception, the Blue Crew program has connected thousands of Independence associates, along with their families and Independence retirees, to volunteer opportunities with diverse community service projects.

Last year, Independence volunteers donated more than 8,000 hours – worth about $185,000 in value according to The Independent Sector, a coalition of nonprofits, foundations and corporate giving programs – across 320 community service projects that benefited 70 non-profit organizations. Projects included helping at the World Meeting of Families events, Philadelphia Reads, MANNA, and Project HOME.

"Fifteen years ago, we launched the Blue Crew program to strengthen our commitment to volunteerism, which is an essential component of our mission to enhance the health and wellness of the communities we serve," Independence President and CEO Daniel J. Hilferty said. "As we continue to expand our reach, it's critical to recognize the thousands of Blue Crew volunteers who have played a significant role in helping their neighbors and making our region a better place to work, live and play."

As part of the National Volunteer Week celebration, Blue Crew volunteers will participate in over 30 service projects across the region throughout the month of April. This includes several initiatives planned with the Isaac A. Sheppard School elementary school:

• Tuesday and Wednesday, April 12-13: Independence volunteers will organize books collected for Sheppard's renovated library. (11:30 a.m. at Independence Blue Cross)
   
• Thursday, April 14: Members from Independence's executive leadership will read "Oh the Places You'll Go" by Dr. Seuss to Sheppard first graders. (11:30 a.m. at Independence Blue Cross.)

Blue Crew volunteers are also partnering with the Independence associate resource group Latinos con Proposito to renovate the Sheppard School library in North Philadelphia every Saturday through April. The work includes painting and lighting, as well as the creation of a Spanish-language section. Independence has supported the Sheppard School for nearly 20 years, through the Philadelphia Reads program, beautification projects, and other programs to provide the students with academic and social support, including Reading is Fun, Good Skates Program, Philadelphia Cares, and a school health fair.

"As a Blue Crew volunteer, I'm grateful for the opportunity to work with so many passionate and caring individuals who are dedicated to making our communities better," said Kim Carter-James, an Independence business analyst, who was the company's top volunteer, logging nearly 160 hours with the Blue Crew in 2015. "Whether it's preparing home-cooked meals for families in need or organizing clothing drives, we regularly witness the power of volunteerism and the positive effect it has on so many people in this region. It's a feeling I wouldn't trade for the world. It's at the core of who we are at Independence"

In addition to its Blue Crew program, Independence reinforced its commitment to volunteerism and community support in October 2011 when it launched a charitable, private foundation – the Independence Blue Cross Foundation. With a mission to lead sustainable solutions to improve the health and wellbeing of our community, the Foundation funds programs and initiatives that increase access to care for our region's most vulnerable, bolster the healthcare workforce, address health priorities and build healthier communities.

Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded more than 450 grants in southeastern Pennsylvania, totaling more than $20 million.

About Independence Blue Cross

Independence Blue Cross is the leading health insurance organization in southeastern Pennsylvania. With our affiliates, we serve nearly 9 million people in 32 states and the District of Columbia, including 2.5 million in the region. For nearly 80 years, we have been enhancing the health and wellness of the people and communities we serve by delivering innovative and competitively priced health care products and services; pioneering new ways to reward doctors, hospitals, and other health care professionals for coordinated, quality care; and supporting programs and events that promote wellness. To learn more, visit www.ibx.com. Connect with us on Facebook at ibx.com/facebook and on Twitter at @ibx. Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

CONTACT: Ruth Stoolman 								
         Independence Blue Cross				
         [email protected]				 
         215-241-4807 (office)				
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