The destruction occurs in seconds.
The effects last for years.
On May 16, more than 10 tornadoes violently tore across several Midwestern states. The north side of St. Louis was hit especially hard by an EF-3 that resulted in five deaths and significantly damaged more than 5,000 buildings.
The Regions Foundation, a nonprofit primarily funded by Regions Bank, immediately donated $60,000 to nonprofits in Missouri and Indiana to help address the area’s immediate needs, including food, shelter and clean-up. Those contributions included $25,000 gifts to both United Way of Greater St. Louis and the Urban League of Greater St. Louis.
We knew we could make a greater impact by having our teams volunteer together. Scott Hartwig, Mid America Commercial Banking leader and Greater St. Louis market executive
During the past two months, bank associates have been doing their part to personally help, as well.
“After seeing the devastation, we challenged each of our business groups to identify a way to help,” said Scott Hartwig, Mid America Commercial Banking leader and Greater St. Louis market executive with Regions Bank. “We knew we could make a greater impact by having our teams volunteer together.”
In June, 20 Consumer team members traveled to the Urban League’s offices after their mid-year summit to fill six pallets’ worth of nonperishable food and supply boxes provided to people and families affected by the storms. Consumer Banking Managers Tom Smith and Ken Knapp led the effort.
“Our main role involved taking bulk food and breaking it down into individual boxes to be distributed,” said Smith. “Everyone really pitched in to do their part. We immediately saw how great the need was with people seeking clothing, food, the basics. Our hearts hurt for our neighbors who are in need. But looking for ways to make an impact really matters in times like this.”
Earlier this month, a second group of 20 associates, this time from the Commercial Banking group, packed nearly 400 food boxes in just two hours. The Private Wealth Management team is up next to volunteer. And associates across all business groups have collected four carloads of essential supplies delivered to the Urban League.
Everyone really pitched in to do their part. We immediately saw how great the need was with people seeking clothing, food, the basics.Tom Smith, Consumer Banking Manager
Urban League of Greater St. Louis president and CEO Michael McMillan said every volunteer shift and donation adds up to make a meaningful difference for people as they get back on their feet.
“Regions Bank has once again stepped up to the plate and demonstrated what an amazing corporate partner it is to the Urban League,” said McMillan. “Team members immediately came to the aid of their neighbors in need, donating and packing items and offering moral support as they rebuild their lives after the tragic tornado.”
Along with leaving an impression on those who were helped, the two-and-a-half-hour volunteer shift in June also made a lasting impression on Smith.
“Seeing roofs ripped off and the front half of buildings completely gone makes you grateful for what you have and the ability to give back in these situations,” he said. “At its core, St. Louis is known for pulling together in times of tragedy. We help pick each other up in our times of greatest need.”
Regions Bank has once again stepped up to the plate and demonstrated what an amazing corporate partner it is to the Urban League. Michael McMillan, president and CEO, Urban League of Greater St. Louis
About Regions Foundation:
The Alabama-based Region Foundation supports community investments that positively impact 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. To learn more about the Regions Foundation visit www.regions.com/foundation.