WATERFORD, Conn.–Charter Oak FCU’s 2021 Matching Gifts Program has donated a combined $400,000 from the credit union and its members to more than 270 charitable organizations this holiday season, from local food pantries and food centers to programs providing housing and educational assistance.
Since it created its innovative Matching Gifts Program in 2016, Charter Oak said the combined giving of the credit union and its generous members has totaled nearly $2 million.
Based on the large volume of member donations during 2021, Charter Oak’s initial Matching Gifts pledge of “$100,000 in 100 Days” was doubled by the credit union’s board to $200,000. This is the fourth consecutive year that the board has doubled Charter Oak’s Matching Gifts donations.
“In just a few months’ time, our members and Charter Oak were able to provide much-needed funding to hundreds of charities across eastern Connecticut,” said President/CEO Brian A. Orenstein. “The generosity of Charter Oak’s members is truly amazing, and once again they’ve shown how much they care about helping others – from providing funds to buy groceries for our local food pantries to providing a warm bed for those seeking shelter from the cold.”
Among the many local organizations to directly benefit from Charter Oak’s Matching Gifts Program during 2021 are the New London Homeless Hospitality Center, Saint Vincent de Paul Place in Norwich, the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center, and the Friends of Assisi Food Pantry in Danielson.