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Fifth Third Bank's Generous Gift: $1,053 College Savings for Fifth Third Day Babies



05/07/2024


Fifth Third Bank's Generous Gift: $1,053 College Savings for Fifth Third Day Babies
On the occasion of the 33rd Fifth Third Day, nearly 20,000 employees of Fifth Third Bank will engage in volunteering and charitable contributions to combat food insecurity in their local communities. This initiative, slated for May 3, involves the provision of millions of meals throughout the bank's operational areas through a blend of volunteer work, donations, and fundraising endeavors.
 
Tim Spence, the chairman, CEO, and president of Fifth Third, emphasized the significance of addressing food insecurity, particularly amidst inflation and escalating food prices. He highlighted the concerted efforts of Fifth Third employees who dedicate their time and resources on Fifth Third Day to alleviate hunger in their communities.
 
Having observed Fifth Third Day since 1991, the bank, along with its employees, has consistently directed efforts towards combating hunger since 2012. This year's focus revolves around the theme of addressing food insecurity community by community. A notable portion of the meals provided will directly support Feeding America®, with additional assistance channeled through financial aid and volunteerism to local hunger relief organizations across Fifth Third's operational footprint.
 
Customers and employees are encouraged to contribute to hunger relief by purchasing a $1 recognition shield at Fifth Third locations, with proceeds directed to local hunger relief organizations. Alongside volunteer activities, Fifth Third Day will feature events involving local celebrities in Cincinnati, Charlotte, Indianapolis, and Louisville.
 
For over two decades, Fifth Third has collaborated with Feeding America and partner food banks to serve communities. In 2022, an alarming 44 million people, including over 13 million children, grappled with hunger and lived in food-insecure households. Acknowledging the importance of dedicated partnerships, Feeding America's Lauren Biedron expressed gratitude for the bank's commitments and emphasized the collective effort in providing essential resources to those in need.
 
Furthermore, Fifth Third's Financial Empowerment Mobile, or the eBus, will embark on its 2024 tour, commencing with a 20-day journey across Ohio on Fifth Third Day. Enhanced with new features, the eBus now facilitates immediate checking account openings, private consultation pods, and computer workstations for guests. Through a collaboration with SpringFour, the eBus will connect community members to crucial human and social service organizations, addressing various needs such as food savings, rental assistance, employment services, and more. SpringFour's digital financial wellness solution provides access to over 24,000 nonprofit and government agencies across the U.S., offering support across 14 categories.
 
“We want to be a partner to the communities we serve,” said Kala Gibson, chief corporate responsibility officer. “The eBus allows us to deliver resources and tools to ensure everyone can make the best possible financial decisions – even in areas that may not traditionally have access.”
 
In further support of the upcoming generation, Fifth Third plans to pleasantly surprise families of newborns born on Fifth Third Day in specific local hospitals within its Northeast Ohio region and Tampa Bay area. These families will receive a generous gift of $1,053 to establish a 529 college savings account for their child. Since 2017, the bank has delighted 496 "Fifth Third Day Babies" with this contribution, in collaboration with the Gift of College initiative.
 
Additionally, the bank will provide the new parents with care packages containing gift cards and thoughtful items for the baby, such as a onesie, bib, and beanie.
Click here to know more on how Fifth Third is helping its communities.