LAUREL, Md.– To replenish local food bank shelves in time for the holidays, Tower Federal Credit Union said it recently made a special donation to 11 local food banks through the TowerCares Foundation.
Six food banks each received $5,000 and five food banks each received $500 from TowerCares. In addition, Tower made a $5,000 special donation to Toys for Tots in Fort Meade, to help brighten the holidays for military families in need, bringing the total donated to $37,500.
“Giving back to the communities we serve is a longstanding tradition at Tower,” said Rick Stafford, Tower’s president & CEO and president of the TowerCares Foundation. “We know from our partnerships with local food banks that they are experiencing record demand this holiday season. We take great pride in extending our assistance to these vital organizations and supporting military heroes, Veterans, and children in need.
What made the donation even more special, Stafford said, is that Tower employees selected the food banks, the credit union added.
“Our employee team has always been so generous and they are ardent supporters of the TowerCares Foundation. They are the heart and soul of Tower, and know the communities they live and work in best. It only seemed fitting that we give them the opportunity to vote for the local food banks to receive this special holiday donation made in their honor.”
“The Anne Arundel County Food Bank is so grateful for the partnership we have with the TowerCares Foundation,” said their CEO Leah Paley, LMSW. “In the past four years, the food bank has received over $40,000 from the Foundation. This latest $5,000 gift is especially meaningful as it comes at a time when the need for holiday meals is very high. Thank you for all that you do in our community and your support of our work to alleviate food insecurity in Anne Arundel County.”
Stafford noted that the Anne Arundel County and Howard County Food Banks are approved charities in Tower’s “Tower Gives Back” program, which provides paid volunteer time for employees.
“Full-time Tower employees can volunteer up to 16 hours per calendar year at an approved charity that the TowerCares Foundation supports,” he explained. “It’s our way of making it easier for our Tower team to give back to the community and support their favorite charities during the work week.”
Stephanie Archer-Smith, executive director and CEO for Meals on Wheels Central Maryland, said she is thankful for the support of TowerCares, especially in the spirit of the holiday season. The elderly–many of whom are Veterans—are particularly vulnerable to food insecurity during the winter months.
“Since 1960, Meals on Wheels has provided critical support by delivering hot, nutritious meals to vulnerable seniors. The personal contact of our volunteers and our ability to help our clients access support services enable them to remain living independently in their homes. We have delivered more than one million meals each of the last