Capital BlueCross Employees Donate Holiday Gifts to Hundreds of Local Children in Need

HARRISBURG, Pa., Dec. 4, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Capital BlueCross employees, through the company's Secret Santa program, are donating gifts to 600 children who might not otherwise have something under the tree this holiday season. Employees today packed carloads of wrapped presents that will be given to children in five central Pennsylvania counties.

Capital BlueCross employees participate in the Secret Santa program, now in its 27th year, by choosing gift tags with the name of a child and the child's wish list. They purchase and wrap each gift. Employees can also choose to donate money and allow a "secret shopper" to purchase gifts. Participation is voluntary.

"This is one of the most special events that we host all year at Capital BlueCross," said Gary D. St. Hilaire, Capital BlueCross President and CEO. "As more than an insurance company, our employees have always recognized that giving back to our community is consistent with our corporate mission to improve the health and well-being of our community. During our Secret Santa program, our employees come together and give their own time and money to make the holidays brighter for children and families in need. Their individual and collective efforts embody the true spirit of the holiday season."

Capital BlueCross' Secret Santa program provides gifts for children in need in Dauphin, Cumberland, Lancaster, Perry and York counties. Participating organizations include:

• The Salvation Army, Harrisburg Capital City Region
• Dauphin County Social Services for Children and Youth
• Lancaster County Children and Youth Agency
• Perry County Family Center, Inc.
• York County Office of Children, Youth and Families

"We are so grateful for Capital Blue Cross' commitment to helping local children in need this holiday season. Because of the generosity and volunteer efforts of their employees, we are able to help 200 children at Christmas and countless others throughout the year," said Melissa E. Snyder from The Salvation Army, Harrisburg Capital City Region.

"Perry County does not have a lot of resources. It means so much to the families we serve that there are caring people at Capital BlueCross," said Shelley A. Krall Dreyer-Aurilla of Perry County Family Center, Inc. "I'm grateful that we are able to work with such a thoughtful company to make the holidays brighter for so many children."

Holiday giving is one of many ways that Capital BlueCross shows its commitment to the community. During this holiday season, the Capital Blue health and wellness store in Enola is collecting donations for area animal shelters. The Capital Blue health and wellness store in Center Valley is collecting toys and art supplies for The Coco Foundation which provides resources and support to individuals and families impacted by pediatric cancer. Capital BlueCross employees in the Lehigh Valley are supporting Community Services for Children – Adopt a Classroom by providing winter coats, hats, scarves and mittens to a classroom of elementary school children.

Capital BlueCross, headquartered in Harrisburg, Pa., is the leading health solutions and insurance company in central Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley. A partner in the community's health for more than 75 years, Capital BlueCross offers insurance products, services and technology solutions that provide peace of mind to consumers and promote health and wellness for our members.

More than an insurer, the company delivers innovative solutions through a family of diversified businesses that are creating a healthier future and lowering health care costs. Among those solutions are patient-focused care models, private exchanges, leading-edge analytics, and digital health technologies. Additionally, Capital BlueCross is growing a network of Capital Blue stores that provide in-person service and inspiration to help people reach their health goals. Capital BlueCross is an independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association. For more information, visit capbluecross.com.

SOURCE Capital BlueCross