By Nebraska Bankers Association
LA VISTA, Neb. – As communities across western Nebraska continue to recover from the devastating fires that swept through the region, the Nebraska Bankers Association Foundation established the Nebraska Banks Back First Responders fund to help support the first responders who worked tirelessly to protect lives, property and livelihoods.
The fund was created to help relieve some of the unexpected costs placed on volunteer and professional fire departments as they responded to the fires, including equipment use, supplies and other operational expenses. Through the generosity of Nebraska’s banking community, banks across the state contributed $60,685 to the Nebraska Banks Back First Responders fund to support these critical efforts.
On behalf of Nebraska banks, the NBA Foundation proudly presented a check for $60,685 to the Nebraska State Volunteer Firefighters Association, ensuring the funds reach departments and first responders who were on the front lines during the fires.
“First responders put their own safety on the line to serve Nebraska communities during times of crisis,” said NBA President and CEO, Richard Baier. “Through the Banks Back First Responders fund, Nebraska’s banks are honored to stand alongside them and offer meaningful support as they recover from this unprecedented disaster.”
In addition to the NBA Foundation contribution, many banks made substantial, independent contributions to fire departments in their region. We would also like to express our appreciation to FHLBank Topeka for offering to match $3 for every $1 contributed by an FHLBank member to disaster relief efforts through its CARE Program.
The NBA Foundation remains committed to supporting Nebraska communities in times of need and is grateful to the many banks that contributed to the fund in response to the fires.