Service – After Survival …
The idea was simple: To lend a helping hand. To feed the spirt of recovery across historic Selma, Alabama.
Two weeks earlier, a Regions Bank team, along with everyone else in town, had survived a terrifying ordeal.
When a tornado tore through on January 12, associates at Regions’ local branch had a safe place to turn: the vault.
The storm was frighteningly close. The branch was spared. But much of the rest of town was not.
That is – homes and businesses. Many were ruined.
But no one in Selma lost their lives.
When the Regions team emerged from the vault that day – still in shock – they knew it would be a long time before life in their beloved city would return to normal.
But they were going to do everything they could to help.
Damaged cars and debris are seen in the aftermath of the Jan. 12 tornado that damaged the historic city of Selma.
“Pay it Forward … ”
Indeed, Regions Bank and the nonprofit Regions Foundation had ways to help. But the local bank team wanted to make a difference in a distinctly local way, too.
So, Regions Bank joined the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants (ASCPA) to provide food for residents, first responders, utility workers and others who are helping with cleanup.
Regions Branch Manager Rickey Coley said none of his team of seven associates had a direct impact from the storm, but many have family and friends who lost everything.
“It’s heartbreaking to see what people are going through,” Coley said. “We grieve with our friends and neighbors who felt the tornado first-hand and are trying to return to a normal way of life. We always look for ways to pay it forward in this community, so the day of service is just one way we can help show people we love them and care for them.”
Associates from Regions’ Selma branch escaped a direct impact – but vowed to be part of the recovery.
Sights and Sounds of Recovery
How it Came Together …
During the day of service, volunteers prepared 1,000 lunches at Church Street United Methodist and delivered bags of food to those working on cleanup.
“Anytime you hear of such destruction and devastation, you immediately want to help,” said Jeannine Birmingham, executive director of the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants. “We made contact early with Church Street United Methodist Church and coordinated our efforts with them to both fill their greatest need, and not rush in too soon to be in the way. The church coordinates weekend projects like this one to allow their resident volunteers time to rest and recharge. We were happy to fill that need.”
Regions Bank’s Central Alabama market executive, Robert Birmingham, said working with ASCPA was a great way to meet a specific need.
“ASCPA had the food, Regions had a grill, and both organizations had members wanting to help,” Birmingham said. “Seeing Regions Bank associates come together on their day off and work hand-in-hand with another community organization shows the mission and values of our bank. Selma is a historic community with an impact that is known far and wide, so we are grateful for the opportunity to give back to a community that means so much.”
Robert Birmingham, Regions Bank’s Central Alabama market executive, prepares the grill to cook hamburgers and hot dogs for volunteers.
Selma Regions associates wrap hot dogs off the grill to deliver to first responders and other volunteers.
The community recovery plan from Regions Bank and the Regions Foundation includes three key elements:
About Regions Foundation
Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.
About Regions Financial Corporation
Regions Financial Corporation (NYSE:RF), with $155 billion in assets, is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation’s largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management, and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas, and through its subsidiary, Regions Bank, operates more than 1,250 banking offices and more than 2,000 ATMs. Regions Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. Additional information about Regions and its full line of products and services can be found at www.regions.com.