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Hancock Whitney recently pledged a $15,000 investment to three agencies that serve the hungry in Washington Parish, as part of the bank’s COVID-19 community relief efforts.

This announcement comes on the heels of Hancock Whitney committing $2.5 million to help people in some of the Gulf South’s most vulnerable neighborhoods during the COVID-19 pandemic. That investment helps stock local food pantries, provide medical supplies to protect residents and first responders, and fund housing relief and legal services for individuals fighting illegal evictions in local communities across Hancock Whitney’s banking footprint.

“Our communities aren’t just places; they’re the people who make up the hearts of our hometowns,” Hancock Whitney president and CEO John M. Hairston said. “Together with the people we serve, we at Hancock Whitney celebrate in times of joy and support each another in times of challenges. We have very deep roots in the region we serve, and we hope this support serves as a reminder of all the good in our communities and the opportunities we can create together.”

The investment will support three organizations, including:

Bogalusa Help Center

A $5,000 donation to Bogalusa Help Center will provide more than 3,000 pounds of food for Bogalusa residents in need. The organization’s mission is to provide basic, staple, quality food items each month to area families on basis of need and qualifying household income.

“Even in these strange pandemic times, Bogalusa Help Center is able to continue drive-through operations each Wednesday to help our regular nutritionally challenged clients,” said Wade Adams, vice president of the Bogalusa Help Center. “Thanks to generous local and regional donations like that from Hancock Whitney, we are able to simultaneously provide food to those adversely impacted by related loss of income during these challenging times.”

Washington Parish Council on Aging — Meals on Wheels

A $5,000 donation to Washington Parish Council on Aging will provide more than 800 meals to local homebound senior citizens. The organization’s mission is to provide healthy meals and services for Washington Parish seniors.

“Vulnerable seniors are at the greatest risk amid COVID-19,” said Nancy McBeth, executive director of the Washington Parish Council on Aging. “Washington Parish Council on Aging’s home delivered meal program is on the front lines every day, focused on keeping seniors safe and nourished.

“The costs to do this requires funding, and Hancock Whitney has stepped up to be that vital lifeline to those most at risk during this pandemic.”

Washington Parish Food Bank

A $5,000 donation to Washington Parish Food Bank will provide food to families who are in need. The organization’s mission is to feed the hungry in Washington Parish.

“I am so thankful for the very generous donation to the Washington Parish Food Bank from Hancock Whitney,” said Beverly Cooke, director of the Washington Parish Food Bank. “Since the coronavirus pandemic, we have continued to provide food for our regular families and have also included other families in our parish who are now in need.

“This donation will allow us to purchase additional food items, especially canned vegetables, to meet the nutritional needs of those we serve.”

 

Hancock Whitney Senior Vice President Ford Favre said the bank’s $2.5 million investment in communities and other relief efforts comes at a critical time as the novel coronavirus continues to impact lives and livelihoods across Louisiana, the nation, and the global community.

“In these challenging times, it’s more important than ever to come together as a community and support each other,” Favre said. “These organizations are working hard to take care of each and every person who needs it, and we are honored to support their missions.”

A special page at www.hancockwhitney.com/covid19 offers timely updates on Hancock Whitney’s locations and operations, resources, fraud prevention tips, and ongoing direct assistance available for people and businesses suffering financial impacts from the pandemic, including fee waivers, loan payment deferrals, and SBA loans.