Availa Bank, First State Bank, Peoples Credit Union, and WCF Financial Bank are pleased to jointly announce their sponsorship of a community wide food pantry donation drive during the month of March.
Executives at the four financial institutions are working collaboratively with their respective staffs to ensure this event is successful. “Our goal in working together is to bring heightened awareness to the increasing level of food insecurity in our community, and to support the various food pantries that do excellent work to help so many people”, said Tim Kluender, President/CEO of WCF Financial Bank.
During the month of March, individuals, families, and organizations are asked to provide donations, either in the form of cash or non-expired, nonperishable food items, and bring those to the financial institution of their choice. At the end of the month each institution will evenly divide all donations and provide them to participating food pantries in Webster City. “We are honored to work together with the other financial institutions in Webster City toward the common goal of helping those in need right here in our community”, said Jordan Hensley, President/CEO of Peoples Credit Union.
As the result of inflation, increased costs at the grocery store are placing a strain on many families’ budgets. “We realize the challenges that people are facing in stretching their dollars as prices have increased”, said David Taylor, President/CEO of First State Bank. “We hope this partnership between the banks, credit unions, and citizens of our community can provide much needed support during these challenging times”.
In addition to difficulties for families, most food pantries are also feeling the pinch. Those same economic pressures are leading to decreased donations and financial support, as well as increased cost when pantries need to purchase food. “By working together to actively promote and support this community wide food drive, we hope to give local food pantries a significant amount of support at the time they need it the most”, said Ryan Williams, Market President of Availa Bank.
Food pantries that have chosen to participate include Trinity Lutheran Church, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Upper Des Moines Opportunity, and All Cultures Equal. All food pantries with locations in Webster City were notified and invited to participate, and those five have agreed to accept donations from this community-wide initiative.