Oak Ridge, N.J. – May 12, 2020 – Lakeland Bank has donated over $175,000 in emergency COVID grants and donations to support the local communities during the coronavirus crisis. The funds provide much needed financial assistance to local organizations that are working to meet the increased demand to serve those who are struggling in the wake of the pandemic.
“With thousands of our fellow New Jersey residents suffering economic hardship amid the health crisis, Lakeland Bank and our associates are determined to do our part to make a difference in the communities we serve,” said Thomas J. Shara, President and CEO of Lakeland Bank. “I have been deeply moved by the outpouring of kindness and support being extended to so many people who need it right now and am proud that Lakeland Bank can serve as a pillar of strength during a time that is so incomprehensible.”
Lakeland Bank has been a part of the local community since 1969 and has a deep-rooted commitment to giving back in the markets it serves, especially during times of crisis. The Bank donated $100,000 to support the Community Food Bank of NJ, the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley, Fulfill in Ocean County, and various food pantries that serve communities in Bergen, Sussex, Morris, and Passaic counties. It also provided Grants or donations to the following non-profits to support programs related to the COVID emergency:
- Homeless Solutions in Morris County to support emergency shelter programs
- New Jersey Community Development Corporation in Paterson to purchase 40 laptops for low income students and families, allowing them to join virtual classrooms while the schools are closed in Paterson.
- United Way of Northern New Jersey to support the ALICE (asset limited income constrained employed) Recovery program
- St. Paul’s Community Development Corp in Paterson to support the men’s shelter
- Community Hope in Parsippany
- Oasis—A Haven for Women and Children in Paterson
- The Women’s Rights Information Center in Englewood
In addition, the Bank donated lunch prepared by Wyckoff Delicatessen to 70 volunteers working at the Passaic County COVID-19 testing site located at William Paterson University. It also partnered with the FBI Newark Citizens Academy Alumni Association to provide lunch for 60 frontline workers at Clara Maass Medical Center in Belleville and 50 box lunches for staff at Hackensack Meridian.
The Bank joined the NJBankers Association Charity Initiative to contribute to the New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund (NJPRF). NJBankers raised a total of $112,700 thanks to the support of member banks. The NJPRF exists to meet four critical state challenges in the face of the COVID-19 crisis: stop the spread, support the healthcare community, provide help for the vulnerable, and rebuild communities.
Lakeland Bank is also a Signature Sponsor for the 2020 March for Babies fundraiser which has transitioned to a virtual walk due to the onset of COVID-19. The Coronavirus pandemic is testing medical systems in ways that never have been imagined and more than ever it is critical to support the fight for healthy moms and strong babies. The Lakeland Bank Team has raised over $15,000 and is accepting donations on their Team Page.
About Lakeland Bank
Lakeland Bank is the wholly-owned subsidiary of Lakeland Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:LBAI), which has over $7 billion in total assets. With an extensive branch network and commercial lending centers throughout New Jersey and Highland Mills, N.Y., the Bank offers business and retail banking products and services. Business services include commercial loans and lines of credit, commercial real estate loans, loans for healthcare services, asset based lending, equipment financing, small business loans and lines, and cash management services. Consumer services include online and mobile banking, home equity loans and lines, mortgage options and wealth management solutions. Lakeland is proud to be recognized as New Jersey’s #1 Best-In-State Banks by Forbes and Statista, rated a 5-Star Bank by Bauer Financial and named one of New Jersey’s 50 Fastest Growing Companies by NJBIZ. Visit LakelandBank.com for more information.
