Written by Lee Short, Content Specialist After Hurricanes Helene and Milton devastated communities in Florida, Tennessee, and North Carolina, Lockton Associates quickly rallied to provide aid. Thankfully, all Associates affected by the storms were safe and accounted for. However, many experienced property damage, displacement, and extensive power outages. Through the Lockton Cares Fund, the Lockton family committed $150,000 to support critical relief efforts via Operation Airdrop, the United Way Hurricane Helene Fund, and World Central Kitchen.   Lockton Associates were invited to support colleagues directly impacted by the hurricanes and the response was extraordinary. Within hours, we were flooded with donations. Through the generosity of Lockton Associates, more than $21,000 was raised to support those directly impacted by the hurricanes. The Lockton family matched the amount, bringing total relief funds to $42,000. Every financial hardship grant request from affected Associates was honored, ensuring meaningful support reached those who needed it most. Several Associates across the Southeast also stood out in their effort. Based in the Charlotte office, Senior Account Manager Angela Powers was surrounded by tragedy in Clyde, North Carolina. With entire neighborhoods turned into rivers, homes being destroyed, and widespread power outages, Powers and her husband were determined to help rebuild their community. “We started looking for how we could help and what we could do because it was so immense,” Powers said. “It’s still immense.” Powers highlighted her gratitude for the immediate support from her Lockton colleagues and the Lockton Cares initiative. Hundreds of Associates contributed donations and time to hurricane relief efforts, making it possible for Powers and her husband to coordinate and distribute supplies to families. "As soon as we could get the word out that we were okay to everybody at Lockton, they immediately said, ‘Don’t worry about anything here; go help your community,’” Powers said. “I thought that was really telling of the Lockton Cares philosophy." Similarly, in the Tampa office, Senior Account Manager Kathy Harper and her husband quickly traveled to severely impacted communities. They journeyed to Unicoi, Tennessee, with a truckload of winter clothes, blankets, baby items, over-the-counter medicine, and other supplies. Harper and her husband volunteered at a donation center set up at a local campground and assisted families from the hard-hit Bumpus Cove community. “Many of these families lost everything they owned,” Harper said. Harper also emphasized the work the team at the donation center did, such as helping recover valuables from homes before demolition and providing families with clothes, blankets, and camping equipment. With support from both her community and Lockton Cares, Harper and her husband were able to step in and provide hands-on relief to those in need. “I feel fortunate to work for a company that gives back to communities,” Harper said. “Lockton allowed me to use my volunteer day to assist with the ongoing efforts.” Although both made a significant impact, Powers and Harper found that much work remains to be done to recover. Since donation centers across the Southeast have been overstocked with donated supplies, Powers proposed organizing long-term Lockton community service efforts to rebuild homes and infrastructure in the spring. Following these natural disasters, Lockton Associates have set an example of resilience and dedication to those in need, embodying the Lockton value of “We Live Service.” Through efforts in donations, volunteering, and spreading the word, Lockton has made a significant difference.