The FirstEnergy Foundation announced a $100,000 grant to the American Red Cross of New Jersey, following Jersey Central Power & Light’s four-day restoration effort after storms swept the utility’s service territory over the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
The donation splits $50,000 each between the Red Cross’ Northern New Jersey response efforts and its newly opened Central New Jersey Disaster Response Command Center in Tinton Falls.
The grant will support coordination of emergency response and recovery efforts, cleanup and recovery assistance for storm-impacted families, and community preparedness programs to help residents get ready for future emergencies.
JCP&L described the restoration as its largest in years. Approximately 5,700 JCP&L personnel, contractors and support staff responded to flooding and severe winds across the company’s territory, clearing more than 1,500 downed trees from power lines. Beyond outages, fallen trees and flooding caused extensive property damage; five businesses and 24 homes had their electric service temporarily disconnected for safety reasons, requiring repairs and inspections before reconnection.
“JCP&L’s commitment to our communities extends beyond just delivering electricity,” Doug Mokoid, FirstEnergy’s president for New Jersey, said.
“We aim to make our towns better places to live and work. The American Red Cross exemplifies that same commitment through its preparedness and response efforts during emergencies. We’re proud to support the Red Cross after the recent storms, bolstering their critical services to our friends and neighbors in their time of need.”
Sara Huisking, regional disaster officer for the American Red Cross New Jersey, expressed gratitude.
“As we’ve seen with recent severe weather and other disasters in New Jersey, families are relying on the Red Cross now more than ever,” she said. “We are grateful to JCP&L for supporting our preparedness and relief efforts, ensuring we can provide help and hope to those facing dark days.”
The FirstEnergy Foundation supports 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on housing stability, hunger relief, workforce development and STEM initiatives in areas served by FirstEnergy’s electric operating companies
