JAY, Maine – OTIS Federal Credit Union is reporting that during 2023 it raised nearly $21,000 for the cause of ending hunger. Fundraising events hosted by the credit union included a Soup Day, Plant Sale, Yard Sale, and a Painting FUNdraiser.
Additional funds for Ending Hunger were raised through sales of handmade crafts and afghans, candy and snacks, cellphone card holders, sunflowers, and movie passes.
The credit union also posted special graduate messages on their road sign for a donation of $10.00 per slide. A $5 donation was also made from every $25 Skip-A-Payment fee assessed on loans.
“Due to these fundraising efforts and generous donations from the community, OTIS FCU was able to place in the Top 25 credit unions in the state,” OFCU reported.
Those credit unions that place in the Top 25 statewide then receive additional reward grants from the Maine Credit Union League. As a result of the grants, a bonus of $392.16 was added to the amount OTIS FCU raised, bringing the grand total to $20,925.25.
The funds were recently distributed to 13 food pantries within OTIS FCU’s field of membership, which currently includes Franklin County and the towns of Canton, Fayette, Hartford, Leeds, Livermore, Livermore Falls, Mount Vernon, Readfield, Turner, Vienna, and Wayne).
Darice Roy (Vice President) and Ryan Souther (Digital Branch & Facilities Manager) are the Co-Chairs of OTIS FCU’s Ending Hunger Committee and were responsible for distributing the funds raised.
During 2023 there was 100% participation of Maine’s credit unions in the Campaign for Ending Hunger, and their collective efforts raised a record amount of $1,221,868.94.
Since this Campaign began in 1990, credit unions across the state have raised and distributed over $13.5 million to help end hunger in Maine.