WATERFORD, Conn.– Charter Oak Federal Credit Union donated more than $100,000 in emergency food assistance to eastern Connecticut’s food pantries and food centers during 2020 to help boost food supplies to those in need during the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis.
Charter Oak initially donated $75,000 in emergency grants in April for much-needed food supplies at food centers and food pantries serving New London and Windham counties. The credit union donated an additional $32,000 in year-end assistance to these organizations in December for a total of $107,000 in emergency food assistance.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has been particularly hard on our region’s food pantries because the demand was so strong throughout the year, especially during the holidays,” said Brian A. Orenstein, Charter Oak’s president and CEO. “So, in addition to our donations this past spring, we made sure to allocate an additional $32,000 at year’s end to help restock the shelves from the holidays so there are supplies available for the new year.”
The emergency food donations during 2020 were funded through Charter Oak’s Community Giving Program, which annually awards sponsorships and grants to non-profits and charitable groups across eastern Connecticut. Charter Oak’s Community Giving Program also includes its Matching Gifts Program, which awarded a combined $400,000 in Charter Oak and member donations to charities and non-profits in 2020, as well as Charter Oak’s $90,000 annual scholarship program for high school and college students.
During 2020, Charter Oak’s community giving efforts totaled nearly $550,000 in New London and Windham counties and since Charter Oak expanded its community outreach efforts in 2009 it has committed more than $3.5 million in assistance to individuals, non-profits, and charitable organizations.