Liberty Mutual and Safeco Insurance have awarded Gibson Insurance Agency a 2025 Make More Happen Award for its volunteerism with Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley (SHFBMV), a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating hunger in the Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull Counties by distributing food to hunger-relief organizations and promoting education and advocacy. The award includes an initial donation of $5,000 for SHFBMV, which can be doubled to $10,000 just by having community supporters vote online. 

The Gibson Insurance Agency and SHFBMV community story is highlighted on the official Make More Happen microsite at www.agentgiving.com/convening-the-community-to-end-hunger/, where supporters can vote to help the team reach their donation goal. If the featured story receives a mix of at least 500 votes and comments, the $5,000 donation will be raised to $10,000. The $10,000 donation will enable SHFBMV to purchase more food to support school pantries, senior programs, food pantries, and meal sites through its 160 partners. 

Gibson Insurance Agency has supported SHFBMV for over a decade, expanding its impact through initiatives like Community Appreciation Day, a carnival-style event that raises food, funds, and awareness. All 20+ Gibson employees volunteer to host, engage with guests, and contribute to the food drive. In 2024, Gibson surpassed its goals by collecting 1,466 lbs. of food and $1,000 and, to date, Gibson’s support over the years has provided more than 28,300 meals to those facing hunger in their community. 

“Helping to make our community a better place has always been important to our team, and Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley has given us a way to make a real difference,” said David Thompson, president of Gibson Insurance Agency. “We are grateful to Liberty Mutual and Safeco for providing much-needed funds to continue their impactful work and thrilled at the opportunity to double the donation just by calling on the community to show their support.” 

Serving nearly 20,000 people weekly, with half of the population either children or seniors, SHFBMV creates access to food and educational resources that serve as a vital lifeline for those struggling with food insecurity. Last year, the organization spent over $1 million on food as store salvage dwindled and demand soared. 

“Recognizing independent agents’ dedication to their communities and nonprofit partners is what the Make More Happen Awards are all about,” said Marie Curtis, Safeco Insurance Senior Territory Manager. “Gibson Insurance Agency is an outstanding example of how agencies can make a real difference, and we hope sharing their story inspires others to give back as well.”  

Throughout 2025, Liberty Mutual and Safeco Insurance will select up to 36 independent agencies nationwide for a Make More Happen Award, donating up to $360,000 to nonprofits they support. Agencies become eligible for the award by submitting applications showcasing their commitment to a specific cause.