1.2 million hard-working Pennsylvania households have incomes that exceed the federal poverty level but are not high enough to pay for their basic needs. When you add in households that live below the national poverty level, that’s 2 million, or 37% of P.A. households who are struggling to survive. – A.L.I.C.E. (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) report, United Way of Pennsylvania
Traditions Bank appreciates ALL of the nonprofits working hard to meet the challenges of COVID-19 and leading the charge in the fight for equity and inclusion. During our 18th Anniversary Month, we are spotlighting and donating to 18 organizations that do this critical work in the communities we serve.
This week, we recognized the role the critical local nonprofits play in ensuring everyone’s health and safety in our communities. Each of the four organizations below received $1000 in appreciation of their efforts and honor of our customers.
Day of Giving #5
Not One More – York, PA
Not One More – York, PA, provides resources and support to families and individuals facing opiate addiction in our community. They assist with finding drug treatment and helping with admittance to recovery homes and sober living facilities. They host a bi-weekly support group, NOM C.A.R.E.S. (Compassion, Advocacy, Resources, Empowerment, Support) for families and friends with a loved one struggling with addiction to opiates, whether they are suffering from active addiction or if they are in recovery. The group also supports those who have lost a loved one to opiate addiction.
Since 2015, they have provided more than 3,000 free Narcan kits to area residents and the many recovery and sober living homes in York County. They created the “Randy’s Wish” scholarship fund to help individuals pay for the treatment course that best meets their needs. Not One More – York, PA, is active in providing education to school-aged children and community groups.
They host an annual 5K fundraising event, Run for Recovery, to honor those lost to addiction and to celebrate those in recovery. They display Memorial Boards at each event, where families can share a picture of their loved ones lost to a substance abuse-related death to help spread awareness. These boards are a vital part of their public events and educational presentations.
Day of Giving #6
NAMI – York and Adams Counties
Established in 1984, NAMI York Adams Counties PA envisions a world where all people affected by mental illness live healthy, fulfilling lives supported by a community that cares. They provide support, education, and advocacy to individuals and families affected by mental illness.
Day of Giving #7
Catholic Harvest Food Pantry
Catholic Harvest Food Pantry operates one of the largest food pantries in York City. Everyone is welcome at the pantry, regardless of their circumstances. To serve area families and individuals, the Catholic Harvest Food Pantry is the only pantry in the York area that distributes food five nights a week.
Recently, a client, Dennis, walked to the pantry to pick up their food. Due to the need to keep contact to a minimum, food was placed in boxes on a pallet so visitors could pack their carts or vehicles. These boxes were Dennis’ challenge of the day since food was abundant. Dennis called in shortly after and said, “I want to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart. I just ate the homemade chicken corn soup and almost cried. You guys are awesome, and I want to thank you so much. God bless you for what you do.”
Day of Giving #8
Central Pennsylvania Food Bank
The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank is the largest charitable food organization in Pennsylvania, serving 27 counties in the Commonwealth. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased demand for charitable food by nearly 50 percent as unemployment is at a record high, the cost of food is rising, and thousands of families face food insecurity – many for the first time.
In Central Pennsylvania, one in twenty people finds themselves wondering how they will afford their next meal. Thousands of children lost access to meals when schools closed in March. Adults age 65 or older are at a greater risk of severe complications from COVID-19, so they are urged to stay home. For many, being shut-in has complicated their ability to access food. The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank is now serving more than 200,000 individuals per month, up from 135,000 before March. “My husband’s employer started to downsize because of the pandemic, and he was let go,” said Susanna, a client of the Food Bank. “We relied on his income.” Another client told them, “When schools closed, I lost my job. For a family of six, every penny counts. I’m very grateful for the helping hand.”
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank has distributed more than 200,000 Crisis Response Boxes and millions of pounds of fresh produce, milk, eggs, frozen meats, and more to its charitable food network, enough to provide more than 30 million meals. The Food Bank knows the demand will increase as the economy continues to be impacted. By working together with its partners, the Food Bank can provide the healthiest foods available to those in need in our local communities.
Day of Giving #9
Lancaster County Food Hub
Lancaster County Food Hub is the largest free, fresh, and healthy food pantry and clothing bank in Lancaster County. When COVID-19 turned the world upside down, they responded and continued to serve those with limited food resources. In Lancaster County, there are more than 52,000 people or 9.5% of our neighbors, of which 16% are children under 18, who are food insecure. This means these people do not have reliable access to affordable, nutritious food. The pandemic spiked this need. The Hub closes this gap by providing 90 lbs. of fresh and healthy food valued at $200 per client monthly. The economic stressors associated with the pandemic mean that a dependable food source has become critical for their most vulnerable clients and families. The Lancaster County Food Hub is committed to meeting this challenge. In 2019, they distributed over 1M lbs. of food or more than 833,000 meals while their clothing bank served nearly 11,000 individuals, and they are on track to surpass these figures in 2020.
Please join us in thanking these organizations and others that are meaningful to you…
We continue our 18 Days of Giving next week by highlighting nonprofits who support Equity/ Diversity/ Inclusion.