Communities Across America in Good Hands as Allstate Volunteers Give Back on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

NORTHBROOK, Ill., Jan. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Allstate Insurance Company announced today that it is once again encouraging volunteerism on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, January 18, 2010, and throughout the year. Now in its second year, Allstate Give Back Day demonstrates the company's commitment to inspiring people to volunteer today and throughout the year, in honor of the late Dr. King.

Throughout the day, nearly 2,000 Allstate employees, agents and community members worked with nonprofit organizations across the country on dozens of volunteer projects. Activities included building a community garden in Sacramento, Calif., painting rooms at a women's shelter in Irving, Texas and serving lunch to the homeless at a soup kitchen in Detroit, Mich., among others.  

"I can't think of a better way to honor Martin Luther King, Jr. than by inspiring more people to volunteer and support the needs of our local communities, "said Vicky Dinges, assistant vice president of public social responsibility for Allstate. "We're excited that our employees and agency owners across the country are setting an example by donating their time to countless worthy causes."

Allstate is encouraging anyone interested in community volunteer opportunities to visit BeyondFebruary.com to learn where they can volunteer any day of the year.  This interactive Web site highlights Allstate's commitment to the African-American community and also links to VolunteerMatch, an online search engine that promotes volunteerism and civic engagement by matching volunteers with thousands of charitable organizations and nonprofits.  

Allstate again collaborated with The King Center in Atlanta to host a volunteer rally after the annual commemorative service honoring Dr. King at Ebenezer Baptist Church on the morning of January 18.  On January 16, Allstate Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Tom Wilson was recognized at The King Center's annual "Salute to Greatness" Awards Gala with the corporate "Salute to Greatness" award, one of the King Center's highest honors. The award recognizes organizations that exemplify excellence in leadership and a demonstrated commitment to the principles and philosophy of Dr. King.

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer. Widely known through the "You're In Good Hands With Allstate®" slogan, Allstate is reinventing protection and retirement to help more than 17 million households insure what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow. Consumers access Allstate insurance products and services through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada, as well as via www.allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate®.

SOURCE Allstate Insurance Company