bankHometown Supports Local Food Pantries with 19th Annual Neighbors Helping Neighbors Fundraiser

Oxford, Massachusetts – Robert J. Morton, president and CEO of bankHometown, announced the kick-off of the bank’s annual Neighbors Helping Neighbors fundraising drive for 2022 to help support local food pantries.

The annual appeal is part of the bank’s charitable giving program, called The Giving Tree, which reflects the bank’s commitment to making a real difference in the neighborhoods it serves, and the belief that we can enhance everyone’s quality of life if we work to solve our biggest problems—together.

The 2022 drive marks the bank’s 19th year of hosting Neighbors Helping Neighbors, which invites bank customers, employees, and members of the community to donate money toward food pantries throughout the month of November. All donations (up to $2,500 per customer) will be matched dollar for dollar by bankHometown and the total raised will be divided among participating food pantries across Massachusetts and Connecticut in communities the bank serves. In 2021, through contributions and matching donations, the campaign raised over $39,000 and resulted in $2,800 contributions to 14 participating food pantries. Over the years, the program has donated nearly $265,000.

Donations of any amount are encouraged, and as an added incentive to give, the bank will offer those who donate the opportunity to win a $25 gift card at each of its locations.

“Neighbors Helping Neighbors is a great example of how communities come together to help others in need,” said Morton. “bankHometown is proud to lead this annual giving tradition and thankful to our valued customers and employees who selflessly give each year.”

Those who wish to participate have until November 30 to make their donations. Checks should be made payable to “bankHometown Neighbors” and can be dropped off at any bankHometown branch or mailed to:

Mary C. Mulrenin
Executive Secretary
bankHometown
31 Sutton Avenue
Oxford, MA 01450

The food pantries that will be supported this year include:

Massachusetts:

Athol Salvation Army Food Pantry
Auburn Youth and Family Services Food Pantry
CARE Food Pantry, Clinton
Food Share, Southbridge, Charlton & Sturbridge
Friendly House Pantry, Worcester
Friends of the Millbury Seniors
Ginny’s Helping Hand, Inc., Leominster
Oxford Ecumenical Food Shelf
Sutton Senior Center Michael A. Chizy Food Pantry
St. John’s Food for the Poor, Worcester
St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, Webster
Connecticut:
Community Kitchens of Northeastern CT, Killingly
Daily Bread, Putnam
Friends of Assisi, Killingly
Thompson Ecumenical Empowerment Group