MFS GIVES BACK DURING OUTBREAK
BY BENJAMIN FANG
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, a local bank has been committed to supporting and giving back to the communities it serves. Maspeth Federal Savings (MFS) has donated over $50,000 to community organizations through various programs and contributions.
In partnership with Assemblyman Brian Barnwell, the bank secured a supply of over 11,000 KN-95 masks. They were donated to local hospitals, nursing homes and other essential workers.
“We didn’t hesitate to address the shortage of personal protective equipment,” said Christina Zanca, the bank’s vice president and marketing director. “Even back in February, before the height of this pandemic.”
In addition to the mask donations, the bank is donating $5,000 each to Jamaica Hospital and Elmhurst Hospital, which were hit particularly hard by the outbreak. MFS also donated to the Greater Ridgewood Youth Council, which has been providing meals to the 104th Precinct and Wyckoff Heights Medical Center twice a week.
The bank has been delivering food weekly to several NYPD precincts, firehouses, a local pharmacy and other first responders.
“Our community service, financial support and volunteer efforts during this crisis will continue to grow as we monitor the needs of our communities,” Zanca said.
Last month, Maspeth Federal launched its COVID-19 Community Giving Award. Community members were asked to nominate a small business, first responder or essential worker for grants totaling $20,000. Ten small businesses that went above and beyond during the pandemic will each receive a $1,000 award, while 20 first responders and essential workers will receive a $250 gift card and two KN-95 masks.
For every nomination received, the bank donated $1, up to $5,000, to a local charity. Recently, MFS also partnered with the Long Island-based nonprofit charity Splashes of Hope to commission murals at Elmhurst, Jamaica and Flushing hospitals.
The organization is known for “brightening the lives of children, adults and veterans” from “clinical to colorful.” Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, Maspeth Federal has stayed open with precautionary measures put in place. Social distancing was established early on to reduce the risk of spreading the virus, while employees worked behind safety glass. In addition, more than 60 percent of the bank’s workforce was able to work remotely.
Three of the bank’s six locations have drive-thrus, including the Maspeth branch, which has a sidewalk window. Those measures allowed customers to do their banking without having to be inside the facility. The Maspeth, Ridgewood and Forest Hills branches also had their windows painted by a local artist to pay tribute to first responders.
“Even during the toughest of times, we continue to focus on our number one priority – caring for our neighbors,” said president and CEO Thomas Rudzewick. “We hope our efforts support and celebrate all New Yorkers at the forefront.”