Florence Bank Donates $73,520 to United Way of the Franklin and Hampshire Region

FLORENCE — Florence Bank recently announced a gift of $73,520 to the United Way of the Franklin and Hampshire Region. Florence Bank provided direct support of $50,000, and its employees pledged an additional $23,520 as part of the bank’s annual workplace campaign. The combined gift will be used to support the annual Diaper Drive, food insecurity efforts, the Ski United event, and several event sponsorships.

“Once again, our team members stepped up and showed how much they care about helping their fellow neighbors,” said Matt Garrity, president and CEO of Florence Bank. “I’m humbled by their generosity and proud of their dedication to help those less fortunate.”

In addition to financial support, Florence Bank will help lead the United Way’s 2026 annual campaign, which kicked off on Oct. 9. Garrity will serve as campaign co-chair along with Eric Mills, vice president of Sales and Marketing at Mayhew Tools in Turners Falls.

“I’m excited to be out in the community, supporting the United Way and asking organizations and individuals to join us in supporting such a great organization,” Garrity said. “The need in the community is real, and supporting our neighbors is integral to Florence Bank’s mission, vision, and values.”

Holly Martineau, United Way’s director of Development, said the financial goal is to increase giving as much over the $1.2 million raised in 2025 as possible, and to encourage organizations and individuals to double their gifts from last year.

“Our efforts this year are to have as many people double down as possible,” Martineau added. “We’re trying to do as much as we can as an organization to support our partners in the community who do so much for individuals in need. Our partners are being asked to do so much more with much less. The social safety net is diminishing every day.”

Geoff Naunheim, executive director of the United Way of the Franklin and Hampshire Region, said he hopes Florence Bank’s commitment will encourage other organizations and individuals to consider increasing — or doubling — their pledges.

“It’s early in the campaign, but we’re already seeing an increase in employee giving,” Naunheim said. “People know it’s a hard time. They’re helping us support a healthier, more resilient community.”