To help local food banks meet the increased demand brought on by the federal government shutdown, the TowerCares Foundation has donated $70,000 to six local-area food banks and pantries.
The Anne Arundel, Capital Area, Howard County, and Maryland Food Banks each received a $15,000 donation from the TowerCares Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Tower Federal Credit Union. In addition, FISH of Laurel and the Fort Meade Spouses’ Club each received $5,000, bringing the total donation to $70,000.
“The Anne Arundel County Food Bank is truly grateful for the generous donation of $15,000 from TowerCares Foundation to support our neighbors during this critical time,” said their CEO Leah Paley, LMSW. “There are approximately 25,000 federal civilian workers living in Anne Arundel County. The loss of benefits and paychecks experienced by these individuals and their families has plunged our community into crisis. Partners like TowerCares Foundation that step up to help in difficult times are the difference between an Anne Arundel County family putting food on the table or having to go hungry.”
Chief Philanthropy Officer for the Maryland Food Bank, Elise Krikau, said the donation will help state-wide: “At this critical time, TowerCares’ generous gift will help the Maryland Food Bank bridge the gap and provide nutritious meals to neighbors across the state. We are profoundly grateful for your partnership and care for our community.”
Tower Federal Credit Union and the TowerCares Foundation have a longstanding history of helping those in need, said Rick Stafford, President of the TowerCares Foundation. “We are proud to continue our tradition of helping those in need in our community, especially at this time when so many are struggling to provide the basic necessities for their families. We know from our partnerships with local food banks and pantries that they are experiencing record demand due to the government shutdown. We take great pride in assisting these vital organizations and supporting those impacted, especially our federal workers, military families, Veterans, and children in need.”
What made the donation even more special, Stafford said, is that it was made on behalf of Tower’s employee team, and during Employee Appreciation Week held in late October. “The Tower team has worked tirelessly to assist members impacted by the shutdown. They have been ardent supporters of the TowerCares mission from the start, and are passionate about not only helping Tower members when they need us most, but also giving back to the communities we serve.”
Stafford noted that the Anne Arundel County and Howard County Food Banks are approved charities in Tower’s innovative “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 supported by the TowerCares Foundation,” he explained. “It’s a partnership that makes it easier for Tower employees to support their favorite charities during the work week.”
To learn more about the TowerCares Foundation, visit towercaresfoundation.org. To learn more about how Tower Federal Credit Union is assisting members during the government shutdown, visit towerfcu.org/assistance.
