Wells Fargo 50K Gift to United Way of the Capital Area To Support Jackson State University and Jackson Communities During Water Crisis

JACKSON, Miss., September 9, 2022 /3BL Media/ - United Way of the Capital Area proudly announces the generous gift of $50,000 from Wells Fargo towards the 2021-22 Emergency Disaster Crisis Relief Fund. Funds directed to United Way will be dispersed to Jackson State University and to Jackson communities in support of students and families impacted during the emergency city-wide water crisis.

The gift from Wells Fargo comes at a critical time as the City’s main water treatment supply failed with limited supply to its fire stations to fight fires and leaving some community health care providers and centers to secure water pumps for dialysis and other support services.

While services are gradually being restored, little to no water remains in some households, notwithstanding drinking water suitable for human consumption. External support from corporations, governmental and non-profit organizations coupled with our own churches and community organizations have poured in this week. Nikki McCelleis, Interim President and Chief Executive Officer welcomes the timely gift and embraces it as an additional resource and support to our families and communities.

“We are so grateful to Wells Fargo for this timely gift,” said McCelleis. “The gravity of it will carry an exponential reach and support to our students, our families and communities.” “Many of our senior citizens do not have access to transportation or have had to find assistance to get the water they need. Our nursing homes and daycare centers are also vulnerable. Never has there been a more prevalent time to support our college students. We welcome these resources in assisting us to offer support to as many as we can with the basic need that we all require and have in common – the need for water. You can be assured that one hundred percent of these funds will be used for this very purpose,” added McCelleis.

Funds from the Wells Fargo gift will be dispersed to United Way of the Capital Area and Jackson State University as outlined:

• $25,000 – supporting immediate relief efforts providing direct services to include water drives, delivery of meals to local shelters and the provision of gas/gift cards to families
• $25,000 – to Jackson State University as part of the United Way’s partnership with them to help university students with critical basic resource needs.

“We know Jackson’s water crisis has deeply impacted the entire community. Wells Fargo is proud to support United Way and its disaster relief efforts as they provide immediate assistance to those hit the hardest,” said Mike Ryan, Regional Banking Senior Manager for Wells Fargo. “Additionally, half of our donation will support students at Jackson State University, furthering our commitment to HBCUs.”

Beyond this timely donation, the Wells Fargo footprint throughout Mississippi is grounded in a focus on philanthropy and community engagement, including $943,000 in philanthropic giving for Mississippi in support of housing, small business, financial health, a low-carbon future, and more.

Additionally, the company contributed to an inclusive economic recovery for small businesses impacted by the pandemic through its roughly $420 million national Open for Business Fund, including to Hope Enterprise Corp., a local Community Development Financial Institution.

United Way of the Capital Area is also urging residents to contact the American Red Cross for immediate assistance. In addition, dial 211 to connect with a community resource specialist who can put you in touch with other local organizations that provide critical services.

United Way of the Capital Area

United Way of the Capital Area provides educational and asset-building opportunities for families because you choose to LIVE UNITED. Together, we can leverage our resources and relationships to transform communities throughout the capital area. With your help, we can continue our efforts to ensure everyone in our communities can receive a quality education, access tools to become financially secure, and lead a healthy lifestyle. For more information, please visit www.myunitedway.com or follow us on Facebook @unitedwayofthecapitalarea.