American Red Cross And Erie Insurance Partnership “Serving Together” Provides Support For People In Need Erie, Pa. – March 12, 2003 – When a fire breaks out in the middle of the night, there is often an immediate need for emergency supplies. Coming to the rescue of victims is the American Red Cross, providing everything from blankets and warm clothing to comfort care kits. The needed supplies are not always available...until now.

Thanks to the Erie Insurance/American Red Cross Volunteer Network, “Serving Together,” the company is donating nearly 10,000 comfort kits to the Red Cross for emergency distribution. The kits, which include basic necessities like soap, shampoo and toothpaste, will be given to the Red Cross chapters closest to the company’s 23 field offices in 11 states and the District of Columbia.

"The Erie Insurance/American Red Cross 'Serving Together' Volunteer Network has set the standard for corporate collaborations with charitable organizations,” said John Fuhrmann, CEO, Greater Erie County American Red Cross. “Through the ERIE's commitment both locally and regionally in providing these comfort kits for disaster victims in their 11-state coverage area, the American Red Cross will continue to 'Be There When Help Can't Wait!' Made possible through the dedication of the Erie Insurance volunteers, these kits will be yet another invaluable means of transitioning disaster victims to recovery.”

While ERIE has donated the supplies for the kits, it will involve nearly 500 employees and agents companywide volunteering during lunchtime to assemble the bags of emergency supplies.

According to Jeffrey A. Ludrof, Erie Insurance President and CEO, “The volunteers are part of the “Serving Together” Volunteer Network, which was formed in October 2000 because our company’s mission of being above all in service and helping people during times of need closely resembles the mission of the American Red Cross – keeping people safe and caring for those impacted by personal or major disasters.”

Said Ludrof, “Through the partnership, our employees, agents and their families have an opportunity to get involved with their local American Red Cross in a variety of ways, including mitigation education, community disaster training, mass care and participating in organization fundraisers and activities.”

Known for competitive rates and superior service, Erie Insurance Group is a leading property/casualty insurer in the United States. With more than 3.5 million policies in force, Erie Insurance Group includes seven companies operating in 11 states and the District of Columbia and is rated A++ (superior) by A.M. Best Company. Erie Indemnity Company (Nasdaq: ERIE) is the management company for Erie Insurance Group. Headquartered in Erie, Pa., since 1925, the ERIE provides auto, home, business and life insurance through more than 8,800 independent agents representing 1,750 agencies. For more information and a listing of independent agents representing The ERIE in your community, visit the company’s Web site at http://www.erieinsurance.com