Sanofi Pasteur’s “Adopt-a-Family” Drive: 20 Years Strong!

East Stroudsburg, Pa., December 18, 2014 /3BL Media/ – Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of Sanofi, announced today that its employees and contractors collected and hand-delivered truckloads of gifts, non-perishable food items, gently used clothing and supermarket gift cards to Pocono Services for Families and Children (PSFC). This year’s “Adopt-a-Family” holiday drive marks the 20^th anniversary of the generous tradition, which has supported hundreds of Monroe County Head Start children and families since its inception.

Since Sanofi Pasteur’s “Adopt-a-Family” holiday drive began in 1995, it has grown significantly in terms of both employee participation and impact upon those less fortunate. The average amount of Head Start families helped each year has now doubled, translating to more gifts and essential items given, and ultimately more holidays brightened around Monroe County.

“The best part of my holiday season is observing our clients’ reactions when they receive gifts from the compassionate people of Sanofi Pasteur,” said Jackie Lapping, family & health services manager, PSFC. “I’ve seen parents cry, laugh, and often just breathe a sigh of relief. One mother put it perfectly when all she could respond with was, ‘Who are these angels?’”

“The donations from these 20 holiday drives are in large part inspired by the generosity of the PSFC staff who continually go above and beyond to meet the needs of their clients,” said Ellyn Schindler, director, Corporate Social Responsibility North America and Community Engagement. “PSFC staff members provide valuable contact information, counseling – and even their own personal donations – to our neighbors who can’t always advocate for themselves. We are honored to come alongside them and do our part to help improve the quality of life in Monroe County.”

At Thanksgiving time, Sanofi Pasteur employees also collected and hand-delivered approximately 225 pairs of winter boots, hats, and gloves to children enrolled in Monroe County Head Start.

About Head Start
Head Start is a child development program that has served low-income children and their families since 1965. The Head Start program is administered by the Head Start Bureau; the Administration on Children, Youth and Families; Administration for Children and Families; and the Department of Health and Human Services.

Those interested in providing a donation to help local families and children in need can contact Jackie Lapping at 570-421-2711 x230.

About Sanofi
Sanofi, a global healthcare leader, discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions focused on patients’ needs. Sanofi has core strengths in the field of healthcare with seven growth platforms: diabetes solutions, human vaccines, innovative drugs, consumer healthcare, emerging markets, animal health and the new Genzyme. Sanofi is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York (NYSE: SNY).

Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of Sanofi, provides more than one billion doses of vaccine each year, making it possible to immunize more than 500 million people across the globe. A world leader in the vaccine industry, Sanofi Pasteur offers the broadest range of vaccines protecting against 20 infectious diseases. The company's heritage, to create vaccines that protect life, dates back more than a century. Sanofi Pasteur is the largest company entirely dedicated to vaccines. Every day, the company invests more than EUR 1 million in research and development. For more information, please visit: www.sanofipasteur.com or www.sanofipasteur.us.

Contact:
Sanofi Pasteur
Ellyn Schindler
Director, North America Corporate Social Responsibility and Community Engagement
Tel: 1-570-957-2689
Ellyn.Schindler@sanofi.com
http://community.sanofipasteur.us