First Citizens Bank Contributes $300,000 to Nonprofits Serving Florida Counties hit hard by Hurricanes

12/16/2022

RALEIGH, N.C. — First Citizens Bank is contributing $300,000 to nonprofit organizations providing housing, food, clothing and other assistance to Florida residents living in Lee and Collier counties hit especially hard by recent hurricanes.

“Since our start nearly 125 years ago, First Citizens has viewed customers like the family, friends and neighbors they are. And when our neighbors hurt, we hurt,” said Ron Sanchez, executive vice president for the bank’s South East Region. “We hope our contributions will help families in Lee and Collier counties meet immediate needs for housing, food and clothes as they work to rebuild what’s been lost.”  

The nonprofit organizations receiving support from First Citizens include:

  • Meals of Hope in Collier County. Meals of Hope is a food-packing organization that has developed vitamin- and protein-enriched one-pot meals designed specifically for the typical American palate, including chicken noodle soup and macaroni and cheese. Meals of Hope has purchased mobile pantries; the bank’s contribution will support volunteers and workers as they visit multiple locations each week, reaching Hurricane Ian survivors where they are.  www.mealsofhope.org
  • Habitat for Humanity of Collier County, and Habitat for Humanity Lee and Hendry Counties. As local affiliates of Habitat for Humanity International, both organizations work to eliminate substandard housing by constructing, rehabilitating and preserving homes. First Citizens’ contribution will help these agencies respond to short- and long-term catastrophic housing needs for families. www.habitatcollier.org and www.habitat4humanity.org
  • Florida Community Loan Fund. This organization expands economic development in low-income and low-wealth communities by providing personal and business lending and investment opportunities. First Citizens’ contribution will help the agency issue zero-percent interest hurricane relief loans to area families. https://fclf.org
  • Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida Inc. Some 20,000 Goodwill vouchers already have been distributed to area residents who suffered severe losses. Residents have used those vouchers to shop for clothes and home furnishings for free in Goodwill’s retail stores; the bank’s contribution will help Goodwill continue that work. https://goodwillswfl.org

“All of these worthy nonprofit organizations are tangibly helping residents in Lee and Collier counties whose lives were upended by the recent hurricanes,” said Mike Atkinson, senior director of community development. “First Citizens is grateful for their meaningful efforts and positive influence in communities where our associates and customers live and work.” 

Building on more than a century’s worth of practice investing in its communities, First Citizens has pledged to reinvest $16 billion by the end of 2025 in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods and communities. To help fulfill this pledge, the bank invests in nonprofit economic-development organizations that support small business development, affordable housing and home ownership efforts in historically marginalized neighborhoods.

About First Citizens Bank

First Citizens Bank helps personal, business, commercial and wealth clients build financial strength that lasts. As the largest family-controlled bank in the United States, First Citizens Bank is continuing a unique legacy of strength, stability and long-term thinking that has spanned generations. Founded in 1898 and headquartered in Raleigh, N.C., First Citizens Bank also operates a nationwide direct bank and a network of more than 500 branches in 21 states. Industry specialists bring a depth of expertise that helps businesses and individuals meet their specific goals at every stage of their financial journey. First Citizens Bank brings together personal service and powerful tools to help customers do more with their money — and make more of their future. Visit First Citizens’ website at FirstCitizens.com. First Citizens Bank. Forever First®