NU Online News Service, Feb. 4, 3:10 p.m. EST

J. Smith Lanier & Co. insurance brokerage said it will donate $50,000 toward relief efforts in Haiti and auto carrier Mercury Insurance said it will match $50,000 of employee giving.

West Point, Ga.-based Lanier, which was National Underwriter magazine's 2008 Commercial Agency of the Year award winner, said it was matching more than $25,000 given by employees for relief efforts to help those in Haiti affected by the earthquake.

With employee contributions of $25,097 and the company match of $25,000, a total of $37,782 will be donated to the American Red Cross and $12,218 will be donated to the Haitian American Friendship Foundation, Americares, UMCOR, Hope for Haiti and various other charities dedicated to assisting in Haitian relief.

"J. Smith Lanier & Co. employees are saddened by the devastation caused by the earthquake and want to help," said D. Gaines Lanier, chairman and chief executive officer of J. Smith Lanier & Co. "Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this disaster, as well as the relief volunteers and organizations."

Mercury Insurance, based in Los Angeles said it is matching employee donations up to an additional $50,000.

The firm said through its matched giving program, employees can choose to donate funds to AmeriCares, American Red Cross, CARE and Save the Children, as well as through any of the agencies that are accepting online donations, including text message contributions.

Mercury will end its matched giving program Feb, 26, when it will distribute its matching donation to The American Red Cross.

Gabriel Tirador, president and CEO of Mercury said, "We are in the business of helping others, but clearly that does not stop with our policy holders. The citizens of Haiti need help now and we simply can't ignore that."