Allianz Employees Form Human Chain for PRISM

Editor's Note: The following content was provided by Janey Kiryluik, an account executive for Allianz Life at Padilla Speer Beardsley.

Hundreds of of North America employees participated in a ‘human chain’ at the company’s Golden Valley headquarters on Friday, passing thousands of boxed items down the stairs, through the lobby and into waiting semi-trailers.

“Demand at local food shelves is greater than ever. While we are saddened by this reality, we are also extremely proud of the way our employees stepped up to beat our donation goals and support our community,” said Gary C. Bhojwani, president and CEO of Allianz Life. “The continued success of our annual Spirit of Giving campaign is a testament to the generosity of everyone that works at Allianz Life.”

During the past month, Allianz Life employees collected food, clothing and cash for Golden Valley-based (People Responding in Social Ministry), a community-funded social service agency that serves local families in need.

PRISM’s Executive Director Liz Johnson added, “From April 2010 to April 2011, Minnesota experienced a 19 percent increase in food shelf use – the sixth highest jump in the nation. Through the generosity of Allianz Life employees, PRISM can help serve families in need during this crucial time of year.”

In the 12th year of its Spirit of Giving Campaign, Allianz employees exceeded the goals of donating:

• 20,000 pounds of clothing,
• 25,000 pounds of food, and
• 3,000 toys, which will be presented to Toys for Tots next week.

During the past 12 years, the company has collected:

• $280,000 in cash donations,
• 196,000 pounds of food, and
• 209,000 pounds of clothing.

T.C. Bear of the Minnesota Twins, Viktor with the Minnesota Vikings, Goldy of the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers, Mudonna with the St. Paul Saints and Nordy from the Minnesota Wild were on hand to help load the trucks. Students from the Dassel Cokato National Honors Society also assisted in the unloading at PRISM.