July 14, 2021

Even though many Americans have been vaccinated and COVID-19 mandates are being lifted, we still need to remain vigilant in fighting this devasting disease. As the battle against COVID-19 continues, FirstEnergy is providing reinforcements to those on the frontlines. Our company is donating tens of thousands of face masks, gloves, respirators, cleaning supplies and other forms of personal protective equipment (PPE), valued at $2.2 million, to 15 United Way agencies in the communities we serve.

“With plenty of unknowns early in the COVID-19 pandemic, including how long it would last, we sourced PPE supplies to ensure our essential workforce would be protected while continuing to deliver the safe, reliable power which our customers need,” said President and CEO Steve Strah. “The efficiency of our remote working team allowed us to focus our PPE needs on in-office staff as well as those who work among the public. As vaccination rates increase and case counts drop, we are fortunate to be able to share these supplies with organizations that need them.”

FirstEnergy routinely supports more than 100 United Way chapters across our service area. In 2020 alone, our company and employees donated more than $3 million to 116 local United Way agencies.

“We have been proud to support the United Way for decades now, whether through our participation in ‘Day of Caring’ and volunteerism or by providing them with vital supplies at a critical time such as this,” said Lorna Wisham, vice president Corporate Affairs & Community Involvement. “FirstEnergy’s commitment to the safety of our communities doesn’t end at the light switch, and we couldn’t ask for a better partner in distributing these supplies than United Way.”

A FirstEnergy truck is ready to deliver donated PPE.