State Farm Insurance presented a $10,000 grant Oct. 17 to the Turnage Chapter of the American Red Cross for its Hurricane Irene rescue efforts.

During and after the hurricane, the chapter opened 10 evacuee shelters, provided 1,570 overnight stays, served 19,078 meals and 26,257 snacks in Nash, Edgecombe and three other counties.

“This grant will make a difference in the lives of disaster victims,” Lynwood Roberson, the Red Cross’ regional CEO, said in a release. “Only with the help of generous donors like State Farm can the Red Cross continue to provide relief for victims of disasters.”

Said State Farm agent Rich Cheney: “We appreciate what the Red Cross does day in and day out, and our contribution will help ensure that the Red Cross can continue to be on the scene of a disaster at a moment’s notice.”

State Farm agent Tom Gingrich agreed, saying, “As (the Red Cross provides) aid to those in need, we are committed to the important task of coming together as a community to help our neighbors pick up the pieces.”

The Turnage Chapter’s office is at 326 S. Franklin St., Rocky Mount. For information, call 977-1720.