Horizon Bank donates $5,000 to Urban League for COVID-19 outreach

The Urban League of Northwest Indiana is partnering with local organizations to support area residents in need during the COVID-19 crisis.

Horizon Bank is donating $5,000 from its COVID-19 Relief Fund to help the Urban League purchase food gift cards that will be offered to families in Lake, Porter and La Porte counties. Additionally, just recently Urban League partnered with The Calumet Township Trustee Kimberly K. Robinson, who provided gift cards for Calumet Township residents, to use with local grocery vendor at Fresh County Market.

“Although this is a complicated time, the Urban League is working to every extent possible to continue to aid those who may need our assistance,” Urban League President and Chief Executive Officer Vanessa Allen McCloud said. “Last week when we provided food the Calumet Trustee gift cards, recipients were very grateful, but were also happy to see friendly faces in this time of isolation. It was sheer joy to see the appreciation in their eyes, knowing there were big smiles on their faces underneath their masks.”

James Neff, President of Michigan City-based Horizon Bank, said the donation to the Urban League is part of the bank’s commitment to support not-for-profit groups working to assist individuals in the communities served by the bank.

“This is an unprecedented time, and we are proud to join forces with the Urban League to help people in need,” Neff said. “We encourage other companies and individuals to support their communities wherever and whenever possible.”  Yolanda Davis, Horizon Bank VP Community Reinvestment Act Officer serves as a member of the Urban League Board of Directors.  Davis said, “Davis said, during this difficult time it is important to come together as a unit to ensure our communities remain whole”.

Allen McCloud said the Urban League is working with Strack and Van Til stores and Al’s Supermarkets, in Michigan City, to secure food gift cards that will be distributed to area residents.