SCARBOROUGH, Maine–Calling it a “gift from the heart to help appetites,” Town & Country FCU has announced contributions totaling $5,500 to help seven hunger-related organizations in Cumberland and York counties. The funds will enable the organizations to provide nearly 20,000 meals to children and families over the holidays.
The credit union is awarding funds to the following hunger-related organizations:
- The Locker Project, which provides meals to children and their families in 40 preschools, schools and neighborhood sites in Cumberland County
- Biddeford Food Pantry in Biddeford
- Saco Food Pantry in Saco
- South Portland Food Pantry in South Portland
- Scarborough Food Pantry in Scarborough
- Preble Street Food Pantry in Portland
- Wayside Food Program in Portland
With inflation and other challenges straining budgets and causing an increased demand for help, hunger organizations say the contributions come at a critical time especially with the holidays and cold weather, the credit union said.
“With our commitment to ‘local helping local’, ensuring people in our community have enough to eat is about as local as it gets. Food is a basic need and the holidays should be a time of joy not worry about where someone’s next meal is going to come from, especially children and families. If our contribution can help provide a little joy to those in need, then that is a ‘gift’ we can all cherish,” said Jon Paradise, SVP-communications, marketing and community outreach at Town & Country.
Paradise said that in addition to providing funds to hunger organizations, the credit union is also supporting local businesses in Cumberland and York Country through social media with its ’12 Days of Local’ initiative, which asks people to highlight local businesses each day and awards gift cards to businesses drawn at random.
“Our community is stronger when we come together and support those elements that make where we live special,” he said. “From helping feed our neighbors to supporting local businesses which help drive our economy, we are committed to doing what we can to make a difference this holiday season and . providing funds to feed hundreds of children and their families over the holiday break and partnering with Sweetser to purchase gifts for those less fortunate and utilizing social media to highlight and support local, small businesses by giving away gift cards to encourage shopping local, we will continue to do all that we can to make a difference this holiday season and beyond.”