Banks Corp. Starts Sandy Relief Fund

By Joe Marvilli

The New York Community Bancorp Family of Banks announced the establishment of a relief fund for victims of Hurricane Sandy.

  Announced on Nov. 5, the NYCB Family of Banks is creating the NYCB Cares Matching Fund to allow its customers and employees to easily make donations. The company will match the funds contributed in their branches. The donations will be made to the Salvation Army.

  Sandy hit close to home for the business, considering that both the corporate headquarters and 206 of its branches are within zones affected by the superstorm.

  “To see so many people in crisis in our own backyard is both saddening and shocking; you can’t help but be affected and want to do what you can to ease the pain,” NYCB President and CEO Joseph Ficalora said.

  This is not the first time the company has set up a fund after a natural disaster. A similar program was put in place after Hurricane Katrina hit the United States in 2005. Based on the response to that crisis, the NYCB expects to contribute as much as $150,000 to the Sandy relief fund.

  “We have a commitment to support the causes that are important to our customers and our employees,” Ficalora said.

  Aside from the financial assistance, local bank branches in New York and New Jersey are providing charging stations, refreshments and support for those who need it.

  Of its 240 branches, New York Community Bank serves four local divisions in New York, including the Queens County Savings Bank.

  If you would like to make a contribution, you can do so at any of the NYCB Family of Banks’ branches. To find your nearest local branch, go to www.nycbfamily.com or www.amtrust.com.

  Reach Reporter Joe Marvilli at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 125, or at jmarvilli@queenstribune.com.