Bank of America has stepped up with at least a $50,000 commitment to aid Western Massachusetts communities affected by Wednesday’s tornadoes.

Half of the money will go to the American Red Cross in support of immediate recovery efforts. The other half "will be used in the coming weeks and months as the rebuilding process gets underway," Bank of America said in a statement.

In addition, the bank said its Bank of America Charitable Foundation will match employee pledges to relief efforts through the bank’s Matching Gifts program.

"Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this tragedy, including those Bank of America employees who live and work in the hardest hit areas," said Bob Gallery, Bank of America Massachusetts president. "We will do our part to assist moving forward, which includes mobilizing our volunteer base for on-the-ground support."