AvalonBay Communities, Inc. (NYSE: AVB), a leading multifamily real estate investment trust (REIT), today announced its fifth annual Spirit of Caring Month. Throughout September, AvalonBay’s 3,000 associates are encouraged to volunteer their time and talent with more than 50 partner organizations. Donation drives will also be held at the Company’s more than 280 apartment communities. Spirit of Caring Month is an important component of AvalonBay’s overall Building Strong Communities philanthropy program which, in 2015, provided $1.1 million in cash and in-kind donations to organizations focused on disaster preparedness, affordable housing and support for the disadvantaged.

“A Spirit of Caring is one of the core values that defines the culture here at AvalonBay,” said AvalonBay CEO Tim Naughton. “We believe in building strong communities, and our associates are proud to share their genuine kindness and concern for others by taking the time to give back to those who are most in need.”

While volunteering with local organizations occurs throughout the year, Spirt of Caring Month is one more way of demonstrating the Company’s commitment to giving back to the communities where it does business. Among the volunteer projects that AvalonBay associates will participate are:

  • Joining the American Red Cross in Boston to install smoke alarms and distribute fire safety information in high-risk-for-fire neighborhoods as part of the Red Cross’ national home fire campaign.
  • Participating in a build day with Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County in Connecticut.
  • Dedicating 8 full days to apartment repairs and painting for Veterans on the Rise in the greater Washington DC/Baltimore area.
  • Helping with maintenance and upkeep at Long Island’s Family Service League shelters.
  • Creating a new community garden for New Jersey Development Corporation.
  • Joining forces with Together We Rise in New York City and making “sweet cases” for kids in foster care.
  • Sorting and packing farm-fresh produce in Northern California’s Alameda County Food Bank.
  • Creating backpacks full of school supplies for Seattle’s HopeLink.
  • Acting as “Orangewood Café Chefs-for-the-Day” and providing lunch for foster youth at the Orangewood Foundation in Orange, CA.
  • Volunteering at the Magnolia Circle Dragon Boat Race and Festival to support the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters in Virginia Beach.

About AvalonBay Communities, Inc.

As of June 30, 2016, the Company owned or held a direct or indirect ownership interest in 283 apartment communities containing 82,984 apartment homes in 10 states and the District of Columbia, of which 23 communities were under construction and seven communities were under reconstruction. The Company is an equity REIT in the business of developing, redeveloping, acquiring and managing apartment communities in leading metropolitan areas in New England, the New York/New Jersey Metro area, the Mid-Atlantic, the Pacific Northwest, and the Northern and Southern California regions of the United States. For more information on the Company’s commitment to Building Strong Communities visit http://www.avaloncommunities.com/about-us/corporate-responsibility/community-investment.

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