DELTA DENTAL HOLDS COLLECTION TO BENEFIT U.S. TROOPS IN AFGHANISTAN

PARSIPPANY, NJ (October 25, 2002) – Delta Dental Plan of New Jersey (Delta Dental) recently held an employee drive to collect gifts and non-perishable foods for U.S. troops in Afghanistan. The deadline, which was originally September 27, has been extended due to enthusiastic employee support. To date, 22 crates of goods have been collected and prepared for shipment.

The collection for the troops was initiated by Kathie Stapperfenne, a team leader in Delta Dental's customer service department and a member of the Benevolent Protection Order of Elks (B.P.O.E.) Stirling Lodge 2392. The Elks is sponsoring the donation by covering the cost of shipping to Afghanistan. Delivery of the donations will be facilitated by the Summit Area Chapter of the Red Cross.

"We have received a wide variety of items including cookies, candies, books, pre-recorded videocassettes, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, microwave popcorn, and lip balm," said Stapperfenne. "Employees have also provided handwritten notes of support and banners for the soldiers. We hope that this will let our troops know that we're thinking of them and that we appreciate the sacrifices they are making."

Delta Dental's recent cycle of patriotism and giving began with their September 11th commemoration. To pay tribute to those who lost their lives, employees made donations to the Twin Towers Fund, which was matched dollar for dollar by Delta Dental. The company also placed 300 miniature American flags in its reception area, which were available to employees free of charge. On the morning of September 11th, Michael Colatarci, Senior Vice President of Finance, shared a few words with his coworkers, followed by a moment of silence.

"There was a solemn and reflective tone in the building," said Kathy Mullen, Director of Human Resources. "However, when you looked around and saw American flags standing in each workstation, you got a strong feeling of hope and pride. It was quite a sight."

Delta Dental Plan of New Jersey, Inc., is New Jersey’s and Connecticut's leading dental benefits carrier, providing coverage to more than one million people through contracts with employers in New Jersey and Connecticut. The Delta Dental Plan system is a national network of independently operated, not-for-profit dental service corporations specializing in providing dental benefits programs for employee groups throughout the country. For more information visit us on the Web at www.deltadentalnj.com.