Mercury Employees And Agents, Plus Members Of The Military, Team Up To Donate Care Packages To U.S. Troops Overseas

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (Sept. 11, 2012) – Mercury Insurance’s Valencia and Camarillo branches partnered yesterday to assemble 50 care packages for members of the U.S. military stationed overseas.  Participants in the “wrapping party,” located at Mercury’s Camarillo branch, included Mercury employees, agents, a representative from Valley Motor Center in Van Nuys and two members of the U.S. military.  This marked the third consecutive year Mercury’s staff has sent gifts to the troops.

The program was created in 2009 by Monica Nungaray, Mercury administrative underwriter.  “The troops hold a special place in my heart, and they should be thanked and revered for their service,” said Nungaray, mother of two sons in the U.S. Marine Corps.  “Their heroic sacrifices don’t go unnoticed, and we all want to make sure they know how deeply they’re appreciated.”

The boxes each contain 20 to 30 items requested by active duty soldiers, including toiletries, magazines, books, videos, card games, snacks and comfort foods.  “One soldier even requested a harmonica,” said Nungaray.  The postage costs are covered by Mercury employees, and the packages are sent to military nonprofit organization AnySoldier.com for distribution.

“This is an employee-driven initiative that has continued to grow each year,” said Randi Van Suchtelen, Mercury’s underwriting branch manager in Camarillo.  “It’s very personal for us all; these soldiers are people’s sons and daughters who are risking their lives to protect our freedom, and the least we can do is provide them with a little touch of home.”

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Mercury Insurance (MCY) is a multiple-line insurance organization offering predominantly personal automobile and homeowners insurance through a network of independent agents in California, Florida, New Jersey, Texas, Arizona, New York, Georgia, Oklahoma, Illinois, Michigan, Nevada, Virginia and Pennsylvania.  Since 1962, Mercury has specialized in offering quality insurance at affordable prices – core values that distinguish Mercury in the marketplace.