Duke Energy Foundation donates $40,000 to Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas to supply severe weather kits for older adults

• Grant provides critical supplies prior to storm season
• Duke Energy employees volunteer to assemble severe weather kits

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Feb. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Duke Energy Foundation announced it has donated $40,000 to the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas (AAAPP) to supply severe weather kits to older adults in preparation for the 2025 hurricane season.

"Helping seniors stay safe in their homes is the mission of the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas, so we are so grateful for Duke Energy's support of our Senior Storm Kit program," said Ann Marie Winter, the not-for-profit's executive director. "Duke's funding will help about 1,000 seniors cope when severe weather hits. We also appreciate that Duke Energy is so committed to our partnership that their team members helped assemble all of these crucial kits."

These severe weather kits contain essential items needed in such an event, including: a 12-hour light stick, flashlight with batteries, headlamp, matches, battery-powered radio, mini first-aid kit and other safety-related items, multi-tool kit, manual can opener, reusable utensils and drinking cup, notebook and pencil, large print puzzle books, toiletry kit and hygiene items, and a tote.

To further support AAAPP efforts, Duke Energy employees volunteered to assemble the severe weather kits.

"Last year's hurricane season demonstrates the importance of being prepared. Volunteering to assemble severe weather kits allows us to reach our most vulnerable communities. It's important our customers know we're more than their local energy provider. We're here to help when they need us most," said Marc Hoenstine, managing director of economic development for Duke Energy Florida.

Duke Energy provided 25 volunteers to build the kits, which AAAPP will distribute throughout Pinellas and Pasco counties.

"Volunteerism is a fundamental part of Duke Energy's commitment to our communities. Throughout the year, our employees donate thousands of volunteer hours as a meaningful way to give back to critical local organizations like Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas," said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. "Strong, vibrant communities are the result of hard work, significant investments of time and key partnerships."

Customers can ensure they are prepared for the 2025 storm season with these safety tips and by downloading the free Red Cross Emergency app for advice ahead of the storm.

Duke Energy Foundation
The Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders.

About Duke Energy Florida
Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 12,300 megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to 2 million residential, commercial and industrial customers across a 13,000-square-mile service area in Florida.

About Duke Energy
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. The company's electric utilities serve 8.4 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 54,800 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky.

Duke Energy is executing an ambitious clean energy transition, keeping reliability, affordability and accessibility at the forefront as the company works toward net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including expanded energy storage, renewables, natural gas and nuclear.

More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition.

Contact: Ana Gibbs
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SOURCE Duke Energy