HARRISBURG, Penn.–Throughout September the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank encouraged the community to contribute to its third annual Hunger Action Month Virtual Drive, and to bolster collection efforts, Hunger Action Month Presenting Sponsor PSECU pledged to match the month’s total contributions up to $15,000.
The response from local individuals, businesses, and organizations was commendable, coming in at $14,202. Though the match goal was not fully met, PSECU contributed the entire $15,000 potential donation, bringing the total raised to $29,202.
“Each dollar donated helps the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank provide an astounding six meals for those facing food insecurity in our community,” explained PSECU President and CEO George Rudolph. “That means that the money donated by individuals and business, coupled with PSECU’s donation, will provide 175,212 meals to our neighbors in need! That is an amazing feat, and I want to personally thank everyone who contributed to help make it possible.”
“We are grateful for the continued support of our friends at PSECU, especially during Hunger Action Month,” said Central Pennsylvania Food Bank Executive Director Joe Arthur. “The money raised through the Virtual Food Drive – and their generous match – will help thousands of our neighbors in need have access to nutritious meals, especially as we head into the holiday season.”
PSECU said a virtual food drive is basically the same food drive concept people have always known – collecting resources for those in need – but with a twist thanks to smart technology. It is an online initiative through which individuals and groups can visit an interactive grocery store that simulates how monetary donations efficiently purchase food for hungry families, veterans, and seniors. Benefits of the virtual model include time savings for busy donors, no expiration dates on food stock, and a supply of funding that can be deployed as needed throughout the year.
In addition to its $15,000 virtual food drive matching donation, PSECU provided the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank with a $5,000 sponsorship, bringing the credit union’s total Hunger Action Month contribution to $20,000 – the equivalent of 120,000 meals.
At right, PSECU President George Rudolph (left) presents Central Pennsylvania Food Bank Executive Director Joe Arthur with a check representing Hunger Action Month fundraising.