Members of the Military Partner with Mercury Insurance Employees and Agents to Donate Care Packages to U.S. Troops in Afghanistan

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (Sept. 5, 2012) – Naval sailors and the Valencia and Camarillo offices of Mercury Insurance joined today to assemble 86 care packages for U.S. troops stationed in Afghanistan.  This is the fifth consecutive year Mercury’s staff has sent gifts overseas. 

The “packing party” at Mercury’s Camarillo office was created by Monica Nungaray, Mercury administrative underwriter, whose eldest son served with the Marine Corps in Afghanistan and Iraq, and whose youngest son is currently a Marine. “It’s heartbreaking to know that many soldiers fighting for us never receive anything from home – not even mail,” said Nungaray.  “These soldiers risk their lives and endure harsh conditions every day and the least we can do is provide them with a little touch of home to let them know how much we appreciate their service.”

Each box contains 20 to 30 items requested by active-duty soldiers, including toiletries, magazines, books, videos, card games, snacks and comfort food.  The postage costs are covered by Mercury and the packages are sent to the military nonprofit organization Any Soldier for distribution.

“This employee-driven initiative continues to grow each year,” said Melyssa Jones, a Mercury senior underwriter in Camarillo. “The event is something close to all of us; these soldiers are people’s sons and daughters who are protecting our freedom.  No words can ever thank them enough for all their sacrifices, but we hope these packages bring them joy and make the time they are away from home a little easier.”

Participants in the event included five members of the military from Naval Base Ventura County, as well as employees from Mercury’s Camarillo and Valencia offices, Valley Motor Center, Reseda Collision, Schiro Collision Repair, Whins Insurance, Sharon Pierce Insurance, Marathon Insurance, Smith Insurance, John Peakes Insurance, Jones & Maulding Insurance, Lytle Insurance, Pizzola Insurance and Main Insurance.

ABOUT MERCURY INSURANCE (www.mercuryinsurance.com)

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