SAN DIEGO, April 28, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has issued community grants to San Diego fire disaster relief organizations in an effort to support San Diego's continued fire recovery efforts.
Last October, Santa Ana winds spread fires across more than 500,000 acres of Southern California. A half-million people from communities in San Diego County were evacuated and the fires left many people without homes. Fire victims relied on the help of friends, neighbors and fire disaster relief organizations for support and places to live.
The disaster relief organizations in San Diego County worked tirelessly to meet the needs of displaced families. Northrop Grumman has recognized their efforts and reached out to several organizations with grants.
* The San Diego Fireman's Relief Association cares for fire fighters and their families in times of need. Three San Diego fire fighters lost their homes and several were injured while battling the October fires. * The Rancho Bernardo Community Foundation "After the Fires" Fund assists local recovery centers in providing property owners access to information and resources. They plan to use their grant to restore public amenities in parks and nature preserves, including hiking trails, interpretive signage, visitor centers, and other structures lost in the fires. * The Salvation Army - Sierra Del Mar Division assists uninsured and underinsured homeowners to return to their property impacted by fire. They plan to use their grant to assist families in restoring utilities and water on property. * The San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy consists of the San Dieguito River Park which is a regional greenway that spans from Julian to the Pacific Ocean. October's fires burned over 60% of the River Park's 80,000 acre area and most areas are now closed until repairs are completed. The Conservancy plans to use their grant to replace a foot bridge that will re-connect the interpretive trails adjacent to the Rancho Bernardo Community Park
"It is an honor to be able to help fund organizations that restore, preserve and protect the community for future generations," said George Guerra, deputy for Northrop Grumman's Integrated Systems sector's Unmanned Systems Development Center. Guerra presented the grant checks to the organizations on April 24, 2008 during a Northrop Grumman fundraising festival that will benefit San Diego's local USO (United Service Organization).
Northrop Grumman Corporation is a global defense and technology company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in information and services, electronics, aerospace and shipbuilding to government and commercial customers worldwide.
CONTACT: Rene Freeland Northrop Grumman Integrated Systems (858) 618-7606 rene.freeland@ngc.com