Stepping Up For A Good Cause

MANCHESTER, N.H., April 27 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 60 Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in New Hampshire associates, friends and family members joined forces on Saturday, April 24 to participate in the company's annual Community Service Day.

Anthem's local efforts supported the Manchester Boys and Girls Club and Families in Transition.

"We work each day to improve the health of our communities and those we serve," said Douglas J. Wenners, president and general manager at Anthem. "Coming together on Community Service Day each year allows us to further bring that commitment to life for agencies that serve vital roles in our community."

At the Manchester Boys and Girls Club, Anthem volunteers supported the Club's Fun &

Fit Day, a community open house that provided area youths and families with an opportunity to participate in physically active games and healthy lifestyle options.  At Families in Transition, Anthem volunteers worked to create an outdoor "green space" which included a garden, new picnic tables, and new play area for kids.  Other volunteers helped sort donations for the thrift store.

"Both of these wonderful agencies are among the hundreds in our state which help make New Hampshire a special place," added Mr. Wenners.  "We are privileged to be able to support their fine work."

He went on to say in addition to the volunteer projects, Anthem's corporate parent -- WellPoint -- made a monetary donation to each agency.

In 2009, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in New Hampshire donated more than $700,000 in charitable contributions, foundation grants, and associate donations.

About the Manchester Boys and Girls Club

The Manchester Boys and Girls Club works to provide young people with a safe place to learn and grow, and life-enhancing programs that develop character and offer hope and opportunity. The Club serves young people between the ages of six and 18 years, inspiring them to realize their full potential as healthy, productive and responsible citizens.  To learn more, please visit www.mbgcnh.org

About Families in Transition

Families in Transition (FIT) provides safe affordable housing and comprehensive social services to individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, enabling them to gain self-sufficiency and respect.  To learn more, please visit www.fitnh.org

About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in New Hampshire

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Health Plans of New Hampshire, Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.  ®ANTHEM is a registered trade mark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc.  The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.  Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in New Hampshire is available at www.anthem.com.

SOURCE Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in New Hampshire