Phila. Insurance Industry Group Makes Huge Donation For Free Smoke Alarms
By John Ostapkovich
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Philadelphia Fire Department today got an early Christmas present that could be life-saving news for thousands of families around the city.
The presentation of a mock check today from the Insurance Society of Philadelphia traces back to the society's awards luncheon in June, when text messages sent to a "pledge wall" and a little public one-upmanship filled their treasure chest.
"We have the Insurance Society of Philadelphia that has raised over $59,000," Philadelphia fire commissioner Lloyd Ayers said today. "This is not something that we get every day. Last year they had over $45,000 for us."
This year's donation will provide, over the next three to four months, smoke alarms (with ten-year batteries) for more than 3,900 homes.
Insurance Society president Russell Shaner (second from left in photo) says his group is thrilled to be able to help save lives.
