BUFFALO, N.Y. -- First Niagara’s foundation announced today that it is contributing $100,000 to the American Red Cross to help provide relief to local residents who have been affected by the devastating storm that hit Western New York last week. The effects of the storm continue to be felt throughout the region.

“We have been a proud member of the Western New York community for more than 135 years and have seen the destruction of this recent storm,” said Dan Cantara, Western New York Regional President for First Niagara. “We hope that with our donation, people in the affected counties will continue to be provided with the exceptional service the Red Cross provides.”

The $100,000 donation will be used not only for emergency relief, but to help the Red Cross continue to provide long term recovery needs, something that’s vital to the Western New York Community.

As of Oct. 18, the Red Cross provided local residents with 1,383 overnight accommodations, 16,699 meals, and distributed 1,400 comfort kits.

“The American Red Cross continues to operate three shelters in Buffalo, one in Tonawanda and one in Amherst,” Nancy Blaschak, executive director of the American Red Cross, Greater Buffalo Chapter said. “We also have mobile feeding units providing meals in the community.

Thanks to the generosity of organizations like First Niagara, the Red Cross will be able to provide disaster relief services to our community until the need no longer exists.”

First Niagara Bank is a full-service, community-oriented bank that provides financial services to individuals, families, and businesses through 119 branches and several financial services subsidiaries across New York State. For more information about First Niagara, visit their website at www.fnfg.com.

The Greater Buffalo Chapter of the American Red Cross prepares for, and responds to, community disasters and emergencies, and helps people lead safe and healthy lives. The American Red Cross is one of the oldest and largest volunteer driven organizations in the United States and locally depends on the contribution of 800 volunteers to provide its emergency service and health education programs.

Erie County Executive Joel Giambra, Western New York Regional President for First Niagara Dan Cantara, and American Red Cross, Greater Buffalo Chapter Executive Director Nancy Blaschak, supported by Red Cross volunteers, at the check presentation.