July 2020 • Volume 16 • Issue 7
QUEENS CHAMBER MEMBER NEWS
MFS ANNOUNCES COMMUNITY GIVING AWARDS In May, Maspeth Federal Savings launched a new campaign to recognize small businesses and first responders who went above and beyond during the coronavirus pandemic. Community members in Queens were asked to nominate potential recipients for the COVID-19 Community Giving Award. For each nomination received, the bank donated $1 to a local charity, up to $5,000. Ten small businesses were awarded $1,000 each in grants, while 20 first responders or essential workers were given $250 gift cards and two KN-95 masks. Altogether, Maspeth Federal Savings awarded $20,000 in grants to the winners, which were announced on June 8. The Community Giving Award was part of Maspeth Federal’s charitable actions throughout the pandemic. The community bank
donated more than $50,000 to community organizations, 10,000 KN-95 masks and delivered food every week to police precincts, firehouses and a local pharmacy. Throughout the crisis, Maspeth Federal has stayed open with many precautionary measures put into place. Social distancing was established early on, while employees worked behind safety glass. More than half of the staff was also able to work remotely. The winners of the COVID-19 Community Giving Award come from all over Queens, from Maspeth to Forest Hills to Bayside. The individual recipients also range in occupations, from nurses to paramedics and sanitation truck drivers. The small business award winners included: • Prince Umberto’s Pizzeria, Franklin Square - Donated to
various nonprofit organizations, as well as 4,000 breakfast meals. • 69th Lane Pilates Studio, Maspeth - Owner checked in on senior citizen clients every week and delivered masks to those who didn’t have any. • The Avenue Bar & Restaurant, Glendale - Created a “Thank-AHealthcare Worker” program and delivered lunch bags to workers at Wyckoff Heights Hospital. • Shabulixius Restaurant, Bayside - During quarantine, the owner/chef made and donated meals to hospitals around the city. • Steve’s Deli, Middle Village Donated food to Wyckoff Heights Hospital at the height of the pandemic. • Our Lady of Mercy Church,
Forest Hills - Met spiritual needs of people by holding virtual masses, and offered food and monetary assistance to those who need it. • The Hungry Monk, Ridgewood - Delivered food to the needy and homeless, and sponsored a food bank three days a week. • Grand Avenue Pharmacy, Maspeth - Staff was wonderful, helpful, and courteous during the height of the pandemic. • Tap House Bar, Forest Hills Made and delivered free meals to staff at Elmhurst and Forest Hills hospitals. • Ma Kin Thai Restaurant, Middle Village - Made food for several hospitals and set up a table with free pad Thai for anyone who couldn’t afford it.
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