Jim Barone Named Health Care Service Corporation's Volunteer Of The Year

CHICAGO, Dec. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Jim Barone, director of Strategic Sourcing at Health Care Service Corporation was recognized as the 2013 Blue Corps Volunteer of the Year. For more than ten years, Barone has demonstrated commendable leadership and commitment to community service through employee volunteer and giving efforts for such organizations as Loaves and Fishes Community Pantry in Naperville, IL and Norridge Cares, a community organization that provides scholarships to high school seniors. He also participates in the annual Chicago Cares Serve-a-Thon, an event that gathers thousands of volunteers to help transform Chicago Public Schools.

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"I am inspired by Jim Barone and all of the people at HCSC who have committed their time to our communities this year," said Pat Hemingway Hall, president and chief executive officer, HCSC. "Through more than 35,000 hours of volunteer time this year, thousands of our employees have sought to make a difference in the communities where we live and work."

As this year's recipient, Barone will receive $2500 which he has chosen to contribute to "We Grow Dreams" Greenhouse and Garden Center in West Chicago, an organization that provides job training for people with disabilities.

"I'm proud to be recognized for contributing to my community in a way that makes a real impact on the lives of those in need," said Barone. "HCSC makes volunteerism a core part of how we do business and I'm honored to be part of continuing that tradition."

About Health Care Service Corporation
Health Care Service Corporation is the country's largest customer-owned health insurer and fourth largest health insurer overall, with nearly 14 million members in its Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans in Illinois, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. A Mutual Legal Reserve Company, HCSC is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For more information, please visit www.HCSC.com, visit our Facebook page or follow us at www.twitter.com/HCSC.

About The Blue Corps Employee Volunteer Program
The Blue Corps Employee Volunteer Program (Blue Corps) offers diverse, year-round volunteer opportunities for employees of HCSC and its Plans. The program promotes volunteerism through corporate-sponsored events and opportunities and also recognizes employees' individual volunteer activities.  Key components of Blue Corps include: a robust "Dollars for Doers" program, company-wide recognition for employee volunteers and providing fun and meaningful ways for employees to improve the communities where they live and work.

SOURCE Health Care Service Corporation

RELATED LINKS
http://www.hcsc.com