More than 200 executives from Schneider Electric traveled to the Gulf Coast last month to help that region's recovery from the devastating hurricanes of 2005.

It's the second consecutive year workers for the French electrical distributor's United States division have helped the recovery effort; last year the company's volunteers built three homes, a playground and a neighborhood pavilion in Gautier, Miss.

And Schneider's commitment doesn't stop there. The Palatine, Ill.-based company pledged to donate $7 million over 4½ years to the anti-homelessness group Habitat for Humanity, starting in 2007. The money will be used to provide homes built by Habitat for Humanity with Schneider's flagship Square D brand electrical products.

“The Gulf Region continues to feel the devastating effects of the 2005 hurricane season. Ongoing dedication to assisting and rebuilding this region is vital to restoring it to the thriving community it once was,” Schneider North America president and CEO Dave Petratis said last year. “Our long-standing partnership with Habitat for Humanity helps us make a positive difference long after the storms have passed.”

Since 2001, Schneider has donated roughly $6 million worth of electrical equipment to Habitat for Humanity.

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