(source: Allstate press release)

The Allstate Foundation has announced that it will extend $200,000 from the $1 million fund established at the Southwest Florida Community Foundation to aid in the rebuilding and recovery of victims of the recent hurricanes. The Community Foundation of Central Florida has been chosen to distribute the funds.

Charitable donations from "The Allstate Foundation Disaster Recovery Fund at the Community Foundation Fund of Central Florida" will be disbursed to applicant grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that support programs to aid rebuilding and recovery efforts in Central Florida counties impacted by the recent hurricanes. "The Allstate Foundation Disaster Recovery Fund" will be directed by an advisory board made up of community funding organizations and the Community Foundation of Central Florida.

Donations from the fund are earmarked for a variety of hurricane relief needs in affected communities. Some specific needs may include emergency shelter, food and clothing, health issues (as a direct result of the hurricane), social services, mental health recovery efforts, community clean up, rebuilding and restoring community emergency services, and assistance with home re-construction resident permit processing.

"Speaking from experience, we recognize the difficulties communities face after a disaster," said Phil Lawson, field vice president, Allstate Floridian Insurance Company. "Extending funds from the $1 Million Disaster Recovery Fund allows The Allstate Foundation to continue assisting the people of Florida prepare for a new tomorrow."