Elmwood Park-based Spencer Savings Bank is supporting the humanitarian relief effort in Ukraine with a $100,000 donation and a recent supply drive for refugees from the war-torn country. — Courtesy: Spencer
By Joshua Burd
Spencer Savings Bank has announced a $100,000 donation to support humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine, having also held a supply drive for refugees from the war-torn country.
In a news release, the Elmwood Park-based lender said it provided the funds to the American Red Cross for distribution to its affiliates and teams involved in helping Ukraine. It comes as more than 10 million Ukrainians have fled their homes since Russia’s invasion of the country in late February, according to the United Nations, setting off the need for financial support and supplies.
To that end, Spencer recently collected enough hygiene items and vital products to fill more than 10 vehicles. Its team also volunteered at a local Ukrainian church to sort and box supplies that included food, water, toiletries, medical care and SIM cards.
“Our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine and all that they are suffering,” Spencer Chairman and CEO Jose B. Guerrero said. “As citizens of the world, we are proud to lend our support to them. It is our sincerest hope that this donation, along with many others across the world, will help bring some relief to Ukraine and Ukrainian refugees facing so much devastation. Our entire team, many of whom have family members in surrounding areas, are thinking of them.”
All financial donations raised by the American Red Cross for the Ukraine crisis will support the Ukraine Red Cross, which is leading the humanitarian response in the country with assistance from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and International Committee of the Red Cross.
“As conflict continues to escalate in Ukraine, the global Red Cross network is providing around-the-clock support, care and comfort to help people affected by this devastating humanitarian crisis,” said Matthew Teter, executive director of the American Red Cross Northern New Jersey chapter. “Spencer’s generous contribution will help provide much needed relief and help support people facing immediate needs in Ukraine, as well as in neighboring countries. On behalf of the American Red Cross and our global partners, thank you to Spencer’s leadership and employees for answering the call to support this critical mission.”
