First National Bank of Michigan, a steadfast pillar in the local community, has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to supporting those in need. In response to the devastating tornadoes that struck parts of Portage and surrounding areas on May 7th, the Bank has announced a generous donation of $7500 to the Kalamazoo Community Foundation’s Urgent Relief Fund.

The destructive force of the tornadoes left a trail of devastation, impacting families, homes, and businesses in its path. In times of crisis, the resilience and unity of a community shine through. With the Kalamazoo Community Foundation(KZCF) and the United Way South Central Michigan(UWSCM) First National Bank of Michigan stands shoulder to shoulder with the people of Portage, offering support and assistance during this challenging period of recovery.

“As a community bank, we recognize the importance of coming together to support our neighbors in times of need,” said Dan Bitzer, President, and CEO of First National Bank of Michigan. “The recent tornadoes have caused significant hardship for many individuals and families in our community. Our donation to the Kalamazoo Community Foundation’s Urgent Relief Fund is a testament to our ongoing commitment to helping those affected by natural disasters rebuild and recover.”

The Kalamazoo Community Foundation’s Urgent Relief Fund provides critical assistance to individuals and families impacted by disasters, offering support for immediate needs such as temporary shelter, food, clothing, and other essential services. By contributing to this fund,  meaningful assistance to those affected by the recent tornadoes, helping them begin the journey towards rebuilding their lives and communities.

Recognizing the scope and scale of community needs that emerge from these types of emergencies, UWSCMI’s Disaster Relief Fund and KZCF’s Community Urgent Relief Fund were established years ago to provide community members with the vital support they need. The funds were previously activated in tandem for emergency grantmaking during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, severe County-wide flooding in 2018 and Uber driver mass shooting incident in 2016.

UWSCMI and KZCF are working hand-in-hand with Gryphon Place and their 2-1-1 team to determine unmet community needs and coordinate the effective deployment of resources. To date, more than a dozen people have been injured by the storms, and reports of damage to residential and commercial buildings, particularly in Portage, have been significant.

“We recognize the devastation and subsequent uncertainty that some of our community members are facing today,” said Dr. Grace Lubwama, President & CEO of KZCF. “The aftermath of these storms offers us an altering reminder of how quickly our lives can shift. It is during moments like these that I am grateful for the partnership of organizations like United Way of South Central Michigan because, together, we can activate our resources to provide critical support to those in our community who need it most.”

For those who wish to contribute to UWSCMI and KZCF’s crisis funding efforts, please click the links below to donate:

• KZCF’s Community Urgent Relief Fund 
• UWSCMI’s Disaster Relief Fund 

Funds raised will go toward current recovery efforts, and any remaining funds will be used to support a robust safety net for future emergencies.

Anyone interested in volunteering with recovery efforts should register at mivolunteerregistry.org.

Posted in Community Involvement