CHECK CASHERS DONATE OVER $25,000 TO HISPANIC FEDERATION’S DISASTER RELIEF & RECOVERY PROGRAM

The Financial Service Centers of New York (FSCNY), the trade organization that represents the check cashing industry in the State of New York, is continuing its giving tradition these Holidays with a $25,000+ donation to the Hispanic Federation’s “Unidos” Disaster Relief & Recovery Program, created to meet hurricane-related needs and recovery in Puerto Rico.

The donation resulted from the one month long fundraising campaign held at participating check cashing stores (also known as financial service centers) across the state.  More than 360 locations participated as “cash donation points” throughout the month of November, also known as “the month for giving.”

“I thank the thousands of New Yorkers who participated in this humanitarian project, reaffirming once again New Yorker’s commitment to help Puerto Rico develop the resources to rebuild stronger and better for future generations”, said Andrew Siegel, President of FSCNY. “While November is traditionally known as the month of ‘thanks’ and ‘giving’, December also brings a strong tradition of giving, sharing and community, that FSCNY and its member organizations take very seriously”.

José Calderón, President of the Hispanic Federation, said: “Nearly three months after Hurricane Maria, the majority of the population in Puerto Rico remains without electricity and access to the most basic services and infrastructure. The island desperately needs institutions and individuals to offer it a helping hand, and we’re grateful to the FSCNY member locations for doing their part.”

Launched merely hours after Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico on September 20th, “Unidos” brought into Puerto Rico some of the first humanitarian flights carrying life-saving supplies.  The program provided life-saving and stabilizing relief to dozens of communities, municipalities, families and organizations, primarily in areas difficult to reach by responders following the storm, and is now focused on rebuilding island infrastructure.

“Unidos” has received over $20 million in donations to date, from working New Yorkers, businesses and charities.  It has also attracted the support and attention of luminaries including “Hamilton: An American Musical” creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, who wrote a benefit song that reached the number one spot for digital sales in 17 countries. The song titled “Almost Like Praying” features 22 artists including Rita Moreno, Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, Ruben Blades and Juan Luis Guerra, and led to the creation of two “Making Of” benefit television specials on NBC and Telemundo network affiliates across the nation.

Last month, Hispanic Federation launched a multi-million dollar initiative called “Amenece”, to fund nonprofit projects that aim to build a stronger and more resilient Puerto Rico from island-based groups.

All proceeds donated to the “Unidos” Program go 100% to meet the needs of disaster relief and recovery initiatives in Puerto Rico.  Relief and recovery project areas include housing, agriculture, jobs and workforce development, energy and communications, environment, long-term recovery and immediate needs.

In total, FSCNY donated $25,414 gathered from in-store contributions and/or direct member contributions.

Jason Carballo, Chief Operating Officer at Castle Financial Service and Chairperson of FSCNY’s Government Committee, said:  “We are very proud to support the Hispanic Federation and the rebuilding of Puerto Rico in this massive humanitarian initiative.  Community partnerships are vital to our organization and are ingrained in the history of New York’s check cashing industry that has served communities at the hyper-local level for over 70 years.”

For more information about the Hispanic Federation’s “Unidos” Disaster Relief & Recovery Program, visit www.hispanicfederation.org/unidos.

The Financial Service Centers of New York is the industry’s leading voice on legislative, regulatory, and business issues and the leading advocate for the rights of consumers to access basic financial services in New York. The New York check cashing industry consists of approximately 520 check cashing locations, which employ nearly 4,000 New York residents. Nearly 80% of employees are African American and Latino. The industry is composed largely of small businesses that are located in the working class neighborhoods that have historically underserved by financial institutions. The industry cashes nearly 20 million checks annually with a face value of nearly $11 billion. For more information about FSCNY, visit www.fscny.org.

The mission of the Hispanic Federation is to empower and advance the Hispanic community. The Hispanic Federation provides grants and services to a broad network of Latino non-profit agencies serving the most vulnerable members of the Hispanic community and advocates nationally with respect to the vital issues of education, health, immigration, economic empowerment, civic engagement and the environment.   For more information, please visit www.hispanicfederation.org.