FirstEnergy Foundation Donates $25,000 to American Red Cross

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The FirstEnergy Foundation has donated $25,000 to the American Red Cross to support disaster assistance efforts in communities served by FirstEnergy's Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L). The donation follows the Red Cross's response to the Jones Road Wildfire in Ocean County, which burned over 15,000 acres and forced the evacuation of 5,000 residents in April. The fire threatened more than 1,300 structures, leading to mandatory evacuations for 3,000 residents in Ocean and Lacey townships. JCP&L temporarily cut power to over 25,000 customers for firefighter safety. The Red Cross provided shelter, care, and meals to more than 300 people and supported first responders during the crisis.

Donation in New Jersey region follows Red Cross response to Ocean County wildfire

HOLMDEL, N.J., May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The FirstEnergy Foundation has donated $25,000 to the American Red Cross to support its efforts to offer disaster assistance to families living in communities served by FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) electric company Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L).

The donation comes after the Red Cross provided aid to some of the 5,000 residents who evacuated due to the Jones Road Wildfire, which burned through more than 15,000 acres in parts of JCP&L's Ocean County territory in April.

Doug Mokoid, FirstEnergy's President, New Jersey: "When our crews respond to disasters, both in our territory or as part of mutual aid, it is the American Red Cross that is routinely there, providing the support that sustains communities in the immediate aftermath. Last month's wildfire burned close to home for many of our customers and employees, and once again, the Red Cross stepped up when people needed them most."

The fast-moving fire threatened more than 1,300 structures and put 3,000 residents in Ocean and Lacey townships under mandatory evacuation orders. Thousands more heeded voluntary orders to find safer ground. JCP&L temporarily shut off power to more than 25,000 customers in the area at the request of the fire's command post for the safety of firefighters.

Kim Goetz, Executive Director of the American Red Cross New Jersey Region: "When a quick moving wildfire forced thousands of people to evacuate their Ocean County homes in New Jersey, the Red Cross was there, working with partners to provide temporary shelter, care, comfort and meals to more than 300 people who had no place to go. Our volunteers supported first responders and firefighters as they battled the Jones Road Fire, providing meals, snacks, coffee and other beverages. Without the selfless dedication of volunteers and supporters like the FirstEnergy Foundation, our work is not possible. We're grateful for this incredible donation, which enables the Red Cross to prepare for and respond to disasters big and small."

The FirstEnergy Foundation provides support to 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits, including health and human services agencies, educational organizations, cultural and arts programs and institutions, and civic groups in areas served by FirstEnergy's electric operating companies and in areas where the company conducts business.

JCP&L serves 1.1 million customers in the counties of Burlington, Essex, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren. Follow JCP&L on X @JCP_L, on Facebook at facebook.com/JCPandL or online at jcp-l.com.

FirstEnergy is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving more than six million customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company's transmission subsidiaries operate approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Follow FirstEnergy on X @FirstEnergyCorp or online at firstenergycorp.com.

 

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SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.

FAQ

How much did FirstEnergy Foundation (FE) donate to the American Red Cross in May 2025?

FirstEnergy Foundation donated $25,000 to the American Red Cross in May 2025 to support disaster assistance efforts in communities served by JCP&L.

How many customers were affected by the power shutdown during the Jones Road Wildfire?

JCP&L temporarily shut off power to more than 25,000 customers in the Ocean County area at the request of the fire's command post for firefighter safety.

How many residents were evacuated during the Ocean County wildfire in FirstEnergy's service area?

Approximately 5,000 residents were evacuated, with 3,000 under mandatory evacuation orders in Ocean and Lacey townships, while others followed voluntary evacuation orders.

How many people did the Red Cross assist during the Jones Road Wildfire in FirstEnergy's service area?

The Red Cross provided temporary shelter, care, comfort and meals to more than 300 people who were displaced, while also supporting first responders and firefighters with meals and refreshments.