Kennebunk Savings put a bow on 2021 with $27,000 in donations to local food pantries and meal programs. Their annual giving for the year totaled over a million dollars in donations and grants. Last year, the community bank celebrated its 150th year in operation.
“We’re always mindful of the fact that times of celebration for some can be stressful for others,” said Bradford C. Paige, President and CEO. “And while we work to alleviate food insecurity in our communities year-round, it’s something of a tradition around here to do a big push around the holidays.” Recipients of 2021 seasonal donations include Community Outreach Services, Footprints Food Pantry, and Cross Roads House.
“We are so grateful for this generous gift from Kennebunk Savings,” said Wildolfo Arvelo, Executive Director at Cross Roads House. “Their continued support of the work we do at Cross Roads House will help some of the most vulnerable people in our community get back on their feet and move from homelessness to a home of their own.”
“Footprints Food Pantry is sustained by the generosity of our community,” said Megan Shapiro-Ross, the organization’s Executive Director. “The donation from Kennebunk Savings fuels our ability to provide fresh produce, quality proteins and a variety of dairy products to local families as we continue to focus on reducing the impact of hunger in our community.”
The bank’s Community Promise campaign, which began in 1994, is an annual investment in the local community. At least 10% of the bank’s annual profits are donated to local nonprofits each year. “We’ve always been of the belief that we’re stronger together,” said Paige. “We’ve been invested in this community for a century and a half and we’re very proud to be here.”