The Mauch Chunk Trust Company presented a $5,000 donation to the Pocono Mountains United Way Hospitality & Restaurant Worker Relief Fund to support local workers who are navigating the uncertainty of steady employment throughout the pandemic.

Pocono Mountains United Way established the Hospitality & Restaurant Worker Relief Fund in December.

Donations will be used in the form of direct mini-grants to workers. To date, the fund has collected over $138,000.

With over 284 applicants served, money still remains to help those in need.

Hospitality and restaurant employees who live or work in Wayne, Pike, Monroe, and Carbon counties are eligible to apply.

Eligible recipients will receive a $250 gift card, virtual gift card or ACH transfer.

Mauch Chunk Trust joins a growing list of major contributors, including the Pocono Mountains United Way, The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, Monroe County Government, The Mattioli Foundation, ESSA Bank & Trust, and United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne counties.

“This warms my heart that our community continues to show up and respond when we are challenged, that we are coming together to serve those that have served us, that we care for the vulnerable,” said Michael Tukeva, President/CEO for Pocono Mountains United Way.

“Recipients have shared that they are using these funds to pay for groceries, to pay for their rent, and to celebrate the holidays. You have given the gift of hope, and for so many, that is immeasurable,” he said.

Chris Barrett. President/CEO at Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, said, “We are grateful for the partnership of the Pocono Mountains United Way that brought this program to fruition. Hundreds of our co-workers have been helped in some small measure at this critical time in their lives.”

Hospitality and restaurant employees across the Pocono Mountains can apply online at www.poconounitedway.org for financial assistance. The application requires basic demographic information as well as a 2019 Tax Return and most recent paystub to determine income eligibility and verify recent employment.

Mauch Chunk Trust Company was incorporated Aug. 25, 1902, as the successor institution to the Second National Bank of Mauch Chunk, established in 1864. A locally owned and managed independent community bank, the main office is in Jim Thorpe. Mauch Chunk Trust operates seven community offices and one trust/investment office, with presence in Schuylkill County in the Tamaqua area (Hometown and West Penn).

For more information on Mauch Chunk Trust, visit www.mauchchunktrust.com or @MauchChunkTrust on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.