Nominated by the United Security Agency in Parkersburg, Old Man Rivers has received a $5,000 donation from the Legacy of Caring Program of the Westfield Insurance Foundation to help with the food pantry and feeding programs. From Left to Right: Jeanette Pursley and Bill Pursley of Old Man Rivers, Jessica Kerns, Mark Sturm and Ricci Hendershot of United Security. (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG — Old Man Rivers in Parkersburg has received a $5,000 donation through Westfield Insurance Foundation Legacy of Caring Program to help recover from the pandemic.

The non-profit food provider was nominated by the United Security Agency in Parkersburg. The donation will help with the food pantry and feeding programs.

Each year, Westfield independent insurance agents, like United Security Agency, can nominate a local nonprofit for the Legacy of Caring program. The Westfield Insurance Foundation is endowed by Westfield Insurance.

This year the program focused on supporting nonprofits helping families and businesses stabilize and recover from the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the last 15 months, nonprofits became increasingly important as the number of people in need increased while funding support simultaneously evaporated.

Many agents participating in the Legacy of Caring program nominated their local Feeding America food bank, Urban League or United Way because of the critical resources they provide to communities.

“As our businesses and schools reopen and ‘return to normal,’ Westfield’s Legacy of Caring program reminds us that it may take years to return to the stability and security people and businesses, including nonprofits, enjoyed before the pandemic happened,” said Mark Sturm, sales representative for United Security.

Old Man Rivers Mission is grateful for the support, according to Bill and Jeanette Pursley, president and coordinator of Old Man Rivers Mission, respectively.

“The Legacy of Caring grant will have a direct impact on our programs to feed those in our community and will help us provide the support and hope needed to be successful,” a joint statement from the Pursley’s said.

The Westfield Insurance Foundation will donate more than $600,000 to neighborhoods across the country. United Security Agency is among nearly 100 agencies that nominated a nonprofit Legacy of Caring grant program.

Westfield and independent agents have distributed more than $3 million since 2015.

“We value our partnerships with our independent insurance agencies,” Ed Largent, Westfield president and CEO and Westfield Insurance Foundation chair, said. “2020 was an incredibly tough year and Westfield recognizes that families trying to achieve and maintain stability were faced with multiple barriers to success. Investing in our agents’ communities will help families realize short-term successes with long-lasting outcomes.”

United Security Agency is an independent insurance agency dedicated to providing excellent products and superior customer service. It was founded more than 50 years ago, our growth and success have made us a trusted source for insurance and financial services throughout the region.

Westfield Insurance Foundation was established in 2005 as an independent private foundation endowed by Westfield Insurance.