Ridgewood Savings Bank donates $67,500 and 2,400 hours

Shown (from left) are: Iris Fung, Elizabeth Martinez, Rudra Rupchand, Jonathan Coppersmith, Steven Toth, Bethsabe Sierra, Kathleen Gaglio, Pramella Bipat, Jenny Khuu

Ridgewood, NY According to Leonard Stekol, Ridgewood Savings Bank’s president and COO, “The spirit of giving runs deep at Ridgewood Savings Bank.” Since 2004 Ridgewood Savings Bank began a community reinvestment program called “Spirit of Ridgewood” focused on employee volunteerism through local 501c3 organizations. Most of the organizations as part of the program were recommended by the Ridgewood Savings Bank employees.

This year, 340 Ridgewood employees gave 2,400 hours of service to their favorite charitable organizations, 147 employees volunteered 10 or more hours while 29 volunteered over 20 hours. Stekol said, “Through the ‘Spirit of Ridgewood’ program we participated in 68 events and raised over $67,500 all through the efforts of our employees.”

In its 12th year, the “Spirit of Ridgewood” has been a welcome source of volunteerism to such charitable groups as The Inn, St. John’s Bread & Life, Room to Grow, The East 233rd St. Senior Center, Yorkville Common Pantry, World Vision, Forestdale, just to name a few. Several of these organizations have been associated with the “Spirit of Ridgewood” for over 5 years.

“I am so proud of the way our employees give their time so generously all year long to these worthy organizations.” Stekol said, “This incredible effort is rarely recognized outside the charities we help, but so appreciated by the Directors and the deserving people each charity helps.”

Jean Kelly, executive director of The INN, said, “Ridgewood Savings Bank has been a huge supporter of The INN for over 20 years. Employees are front and center at our fundraising events and familiar faces as volunteers in our soup kitchen. They have donated countless items that guests desperately need for daily basic survival, including food, clothing and personal care items. We are deeply humbled to have this level of support from the staff and management of Ridgewood Savings Bank and consider them an important part of The INN’s family.” 

The East 233rd St. Senior Center director, Rachel McNeil, said “the Ridgewood Savings Bank employees stop in, bring food, organize the pantry and even cook the food that is given to the seniors at the center. I love that they are actively helping our cause.” 

Bethany Brichta, manager, external relations for Room to Grow said, “Ridgewood’s generosity and their teams of volunteers help support Room to Grow in our mission to enrich the lives of babies born into poverty throughout their critical first three years of development. Room to Grow provides one-on-one parenting education and all the needed baby essentials to families dedicated to giving their children the best possible start in life. The Ridgewood volunteers are here for every step of their journey.”

Founded in 1921, Ridgewood Savings Bank is the largest mutual savings bank in New York State, with over $5 billion dollars in assets. With 34 branches in the New York area, Ridgewood Savings Bank continues to serve its community as it did in 1921, with their continued focus always on their customers.

The INN (Interfaith Nutrition Network) is a dynamic, not-for-profit, volunteer-based organization working to resolve Long Island’s hunger and homelessness issues by providing food, shelter, long-term housing, and supportive services in a dignified and respectful manner to families and individuals seeking assistance. A dedicated staff, committed volunteers, and broad- based community support helps The INN to deliver its services through 19 soup kitchens, three homeless shelters, and 25 long-term housing apartments. As one of Long Island’s largest private social service agencies, The INN is ranked among the most cost-effective charities in the United States. For more information on The INN please visit www.the-inn.org or call (516) 486-8506.

Our primary mission is to improve and enhance the quality of life for all senior people, with special emphasis on seniors 60-100 years of age who might be economically, social or recreationally disadvantaged. We exist to assist senior people without exception to religion, race, creed or color to realize that life is not over and the potential for growth and development through resources necessary to life and to succeed in a complex environment.

Room to Grow is dedicated to enriching the lives of babies born into poverty throughout their critical first three years of development. Parents are referred to Room to Grow by a network of prenatal programs assisting low-income families. Upon their referral, families visit Room to Grow’s warm and inviting space once every three months from just before the birth of the baby until their child turns three. During their one-on-one appointments with our staff social workers, typically lasting two hours, parents receive developmental information, customized support, and all of the needed baby items to ensure a healthy and secure start for their child.

Ridgewood Savings Bank volunteers at Room to Grow, volunteer time, donate toys and assist in helping manager, Brichta in achieving the organization’s mission to enriching the lives of babies born into poverty.