Indiana Harbor Coke Company (IHC) has donated a special corporate gift of $5,000 through the Lake Area United Way to the Lakeshore Area Regional Recovery of Indiana (LARRI) to help support long-term restoration efforts in the wake of the storms and floods that pelted the area last year.

“Indiana Harbor Coke Company believes in being a leader in corporate citizenship in the communities in which our employees live and work,” said Tony Zezovski, Human Resources & Labor Relations Manager.  “We believe in being a good neighbor.”

“We know that this money will be used to help affected families in Northwest Indiana so they can rebuild their lives and return safely to their homes,” Zezovski said.  In presenting the check, he noted that this special gift is on top of the company’s annual corporate gift and in addition to its employee donations to United Way.

“We have always served in a leadership role in the United Way campaign,” he added.  “In fact, Indiana Harbor Coke’s management team has 100 percent participation,” said Zezovski. “Our employees are committed to community service."

Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties were among six counties in Indiana affected by floods last September.  LARRI is composed of representatives from the three United Ways serving Northwest Indiana, non-profit agencies, faith-based churches and organizations, and volunteers who came together in response to the flood.

In accepting the contribution LARRI Director Mark Kurowski said, “We’re proud to accept this special contribution from Indiana Harbor Coke.  These dollars will be used in the long-term restoration efforts in Northwest Indiana.”

Kurowski added, “We thank Indiana Harbor Coke Company for its generosity and corporate citizenship.  This special gift will go a long way toward rebuilding lives and communities.”