Liberty Bank Foundation, Community Partners Raise $728,712 To Provide Thanksgiving Meals, Stock Food Pantries

In collaboration with 40 local Rotary Clubs, East Haddam Community Lions Club and the Community Foundation of Middlesex County (CFMC), Liberty Bank Foundation announced today that $728,712 raised through its 21st Annual Thanksgiving Drive.

The total amount raised by the Rotary Clubs was $582,970. Liberty Bank Foundation provided a 25-cent match for each dollar raised which grew the grand total for 2024 to $728,712. As a result, more than 80 organizations addressing food insecurity across Liberty Bank's footprint will benefit from the proceeds of the Drive.

According to the American Farm Bureau Federation's annual Thanksgiving survey, the average cost of a Thanksgiving meal this year is $5.80 per person. Through this effort, that equates to over 125,000 meals for area individuals and families in need this Thanksgiving. The donation to the community incorporates a match of $145,742 from Liberty Bank Foundation to support each of the Rotary Clubs in their local campaign to ensure more families have access to food this Thanksgiving.

In addition to Thanksgiving meals, the dollars raised will help stock food on pantry shelves across the state just in time for the winter months ahead.

"For nearly 200 years, Team Liberty has been closely aligned with mission-driven local organizations who share the same priorities we do when it comes to being community kind and serving the greater good of our communities," said David W. Glidden, Liberty Bank's President & CEO. "Thanks to our ongoing, meaningful partnership with Rotary Clubs, Lions Club and the Community Foundation of Middlesex County, we continue to tackle food insecurity head-not only during Thanksgiving but in the months to come."

Beginning in 2004 when the Middletown Rotary Club and Liberty Bank teamed up to expand this fundraiser throughout Liberty's entire service area, local Rotary Clubs, the Liberty Bank team and their new partner as of last year, CFMC, have raised over $7 million.

"We are honored to once again partner with Liberty Bank, Liberty Bank Foundation and the Rotary Clubs on this amazing Thanksgiving project," said Cynthia H. Clegg, President & CEO, Community Foundation of Middlesex County. "At CFMC we know it's true that great things happen when we come together to help one another. We're humbled by the caring and generous ways of so many and happy to play a small part in helping our friends and neighbors enjoy the holiday. This project truly demonstrates COMMUNITY at its best," said Cynthia H. Clegg, President & CEO, Community Foundation of Middlesex County.

The following Clubs are participating in the 2024 Liberty Bank/Rotary Club Thanksgiving Dinner Drive: Ansonia/Seymour/Oxford, Branford, Bristol, Cheshire, Chester, Clinton, Colchester, Deep River, Derby/Shelton, East Hampton, East Hartford, Essex, Groton, Hamden, Kensington/Berlin, Ledyard, Madison, Meriden, Middletown, Montville, Mystic/Stonington, Naugatuck, New Britain, New London, Newington, Niantic, North Branford, North Haven, Norwich, Old Saybrook, Plainville, Simsbury/Granby, Southington, Wallingford, Waterbury, Waterford, West Hartford, Wethersfield/Rocky Hill, Willimantic, and the East Haddam Community Lions Club.

About Liberty Bank Foundation

Since its inception in 1997, Liberty Bank Foundation has awarded over $19 million in grants to nonprofit organizations throughout Liberty Bank's market area. Following the Bank's 'Be Community Kind' spirit, the Foundation seeks to improve the lives of individuals and families by investing in three key areas: Education & Training, Affordable Housing, and Food.

About Community Foundation of Middlesex County (CFMC)

Community Foundation of Middlesex County's mission is to improve the quality of life for the people of the County now and in the future by developing endowments, making grants that have impact, and assisting donors in meeting their philanthropic objectives.

About Rotary: Service Above Self

Rotary is a global network of more than 1.2 million volunteer leaders who dedicate their time and talent to tackle the world's most pressing humanitarian challenges. There are 34,000 Rotary clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas. Clubs are nonpolitical, nonreligious, and open to all cultures, races, and creeds. Their work impacts lives at both the local and international levels, from helping families in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world. As signified by the motto "Service Above Self," Rotary's main objective is service - in the community, in the workplace, and throughout the world.