FirstEnergy Foundation Will Surprise 132 Deserving Community Organizations as Part of Expanded "12 Gifts of the Season" Campaign

AKRON, Ohio, Dec. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The FirstEnergy Foundation will surprise 132 deserving nonprofit agencies in the FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) area with $1,000 donations over the coming weeks as part of its "12 Gifts of the Season" holiday campaign. 

This year's program represents an expansion from last year, when 12 organizations received surprise $5,000 donations.  In addition, a similar "Christmas in July" campaign resulted in 12 agencies in communities where FirstEnergy has operations each receiving $10,000 donations earlier this year.

"The response last year from the agencies receiving the surprise gifts was overwhelming, and we decided to expand the program to share the spirit of the holidays with a greater number of worthy organizations," said Dee Lowery, president of the FirstEnergy Foundation.  "The winners were chosen secretly by FirstEnergy employees, who identified organizations in their areas that do extraordinary work to make our communities better.  Our goal was to focus on programs that enhance children's services, or provide additional support for organizations facing a critical need during the holiday season."

In total, more than $132,000 will be presented to the agencies beginning today through December 15 in areas where FirstEnergy has utilities and power plants.  To heighten the holiday cheer, the organizations will not be notified prior to the gifts being delivered.

The FirstEnergy Foundation is funded solely by FirstEnergy Corp. and provides support to non-profit, tax-exempt health and human services agencies; educational organizations; cultural and arts programs and institutions; and civic groups in areas served by FirstEnergy's 10 electric operating companies and in areas where the company conducts business.

FirstEnergy is dedicated to safety, reliability and operational excellence.  Its 10 electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York.  Follow FirstEnergy online at www.firstenergycorp.com.  Follow FirstEnergy on Twitter @FirstEnergyCorp.

Editor's Note: FirstEnergy will release the names of the gift recipients after all gifts have been delivered.

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SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.