GREENVILLE, S.C. – In observance of the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, employees of United Community Bank (United) are honoring 9/11 victims and heroes with acts of service in communities across their 5-state footprint. Throughout the first two weeks of September, teams across the Southeast are finding unique ways to thank their local first responders and remember those impacted by 9/11.
“It’s part of our mission to help make the world a better place and our team is embracing the opportunity to recognize the heroes in our own communities. We are proud to participate in this National Day of Service that is inspired by the unified community response to 9/11 more than 20 years ago,” said John W. Chastain, Jr., President of Blue Ridge, Ga. and Co-Chair for the company’s Together for Good Council, a volunteer group of employees that encourage community service throughout the bank and has led the coordinated service efforts.
For the second year in a row, United Community Bank employees are encouraged to organize acts of service within their communities or participate in projects led by the Together for Good Council. In addition to the acts of service, the United Community Bank Foundation will be making a total of $25,000 in donations to local organizations that support first responders.
Local activities and donations are driven by team members across the bank’s service area and include:
Florida
- Donating to the Central Florida Chapter of the Gary Sinise Foundation, the Sherriff’s Foundation of Broward County Fallen Hero’s Fund, South Florida Rehab and Emergency Support Team and the Gold Shield Foundation.
- Delivering lunch or goodies to fire stations in Orlando and Tampa, Fla.
- Delivering a basket for a K-9 officer in Ponte Vedra, Fla.
Georgia
- Donating to TRED (Trails for Recreation and Economic Development of Rome/Floyd), Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation, Blairsville Shop with a Cop, Cobb County Public Safety Foundation, Glynn County Volunteer Firefighters, and Hall County Law Enforcement Foundation Fund
- Hosting lunch for first responders in Blue Ridge and Blairsville, Ga.
- Delivering lunch and goodies to police and fire departments in Pickens County, Glynn County and Brunswick County, Ga.
North Carolina
- Donating to the Qualla Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department, Swain County Rescue Squad and STAND T.A.L.L.
- Celebrating the kickoff of the UCB First Responders Scholarship in Clayton, N.C. This fund provides scholarships to help defray the cost barriers associated with further training and certification courses for Clayton Police, Fire and Johnston County EMS first responders. UCB expects to fund the first scholarships in early 2023.
South Carolina
- Donating to the National Fallen Firefighters Greenville City /11 Memorial Stair Climb, Low Country Firefighter Support Team and Deputy Roger Rice Ride-On Fund.
- Delivering snacks, gift baskets and breakfast to first responders around Laurens and Greenwood County, S.C.
- Team participation in the National Fallen Firefighters 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb in Greenville, S.C.
Tennessee
- Donating to the East Roane County Fire Department, the Officer Moats Foundation, Hickman County Rescue Squad and the 303 Project.
- Stocking kitchens for four local fire stations in Knoxville and Loudon County, Tenn.
- Hosting lunch for servicemen and women in Alcoa County, Tenn.
“At United Community Bank, we believe in the power of coming together for good. We encourage our teams to identify ways to positively impact others throughout the year and are proud to participate in the National Day of Service and Remembrance,” added John D. Goins, Regional President for North Carolina and Co-Chair of the Together for Good Council.
I adore that a key component of their mission is to improve the world, and that their team is seizing the chance to honor local heroes. The following time, I hope to attend this event.