In the wake of Hurricanes Milton and Helene, the banking industry is once again coming together to help those affected by these devastating storms, including members of our banking family. To assist those in Florida impacted by Hurricane Milton, and in coordination with the Florida Bankers Association, the American Bankers Association will donate $50,000 to the Florida Disaster Fund to help aid recovery efforts. The Florida Disaster Fund is the state of Florida’s official private fund established to assist Florida’s communities as they respond to and recover during times of emergency or disaster. ABA and the FBA are encouraging bankers across the country to consider contributing to the fund to assist Hurricane Milton recovery efforts.
In response to Hurricane Helene, ABA has donated $50,000 to each of the relief funds established by the North Carolina Bankers Association and the Tennessee Bankers Association to respond to the devastation in those states. ABA encourages bankers to consider contributing to support relief efforts underway in Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, South Carolina and Georgia. Below are links to fundraising efforts and other ways to support storm victims in the affected states.
Hurricane Milton Recovery Efforts in Clearwater, FL, Oct. 10, 2024.Source: AP
The Florida Bankers Association encourages bankers to consider donating to the Florida Disaster Fund to help those affected by Hurricanes Milton and Helene. For more information and to donate, visit Florida Disaster Fund.
The North Carolina Bankers Association has established a Hurricane Helene Relief Fund through the NCBA Foundation to assist bank employees in Western North Carolina who have suffered losses and property damage as a result of the storm. Please consider providing relief to those in desperate need by donating to the NCBA’s Hurricane Helene Employee Relief Fund. Details on how to contribute can be found here: Hurricane Helene Relief Fund – NC Bankers Association
Damage caused by Hurricane Helene in Asheville, NC on Oct 2
Several East Tennessee communities were devastated by flooding from Hurricane Helene. The TBA has already pledged $10,000 and is collecting tax exempt donations through the Fund, administered by The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. TBA member banks will work with local nonprofits in the affected regions to ensure these funds go directly to those most impacted. Donate here: tnbankers.org/tba-disaster-relief
Virginia: United Way SWVA Regional Disaster Relief Fund
Georgia: American Red Cross Disaster Relief and Volunteer Opportunities: https://www.gavoad.org/
South Carolina: www.OneSCFund.org
Below are some examples of recent bank efforts to help customers affected by recent storms. If your institution would like to be added to this list, please reach out to Mike Townsend at [email protected].
Bank of Tennessee announced it is offering its customers financial assistance or relief due to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. In support of local business owners starting to clean up after the storm, the bank is distributing five-gallon buckets filled with cleaning supplies, trash bags, gloves. It is also providing its customers with resources and information to help in this time of need, including State and Federal disaster assistance information, SBA disaster loan information, Hotlines and support telephone numbers, and donation drop-off locations by state. It is also offering virtual counseling to its employees who have been emotionally affected.
Truist Bank in North Carolina announced its Truist Foundation will donate $1 million to support relief and recovery efforts in communities most impacted by the historic destruction from Hurricane Helene, including Western North Carolina. The funds will be distributed to IT Disaster Resource Center, United Way Worldwide, the American Red Cross, and Center for Disaster Philanthropy's Atlantic Hurricane Season Fund.