CAPTION: Amanda Tagliarino, right, Senior Director of the Fieldstone Foundation, presents a collection box for the Backpack Program to TruNorthern Federal Credit Union’s Kiersten Leclerc, center, and Nicole Guerin, left.
NORTHERN NEW YORK – Fieldstone Foundation is delighted to announce an impactful partnership with TruNorthern Federal Credit Union in the fight against childhood hunger in the region.
TruNorthern Federal Credit Union, a community-focused institution known for its culture of compassion and community engagement since 1972, plays a pivotal role in supporting the Backpack Program, a key initiative committed to ensuring no child in our community goes hungry.
“With rising prices and family’s purse strings being pulled tighter due to financial stressors, we’re proud to be able to support the Backpack Program to ensure the children in our community are guaranteed meals over the weekend,” said Darin Childs, CEO of TruNorthern. “We’re unique with our support as we will match the contributions in our donation box up to $5,000.00 a year – thus securing more funds for a great cause.”
Many local children rely on school food programs as a primary source of their sustenance during the week, leaving a distinct void over the weekends. Fieldstone Foundation’s Backpack Program fills this gap by providing healthy, nutritious meals and snacks to eligible children each weekend during the school year.
The Backpack Program is entirely community driven, relying on the generosity of local businesses, community members and a dedicated volunteer force. Every Tuesday, volunteers pack bags of nutritious food, which are then discreetly distributed to almost 500 children in grades kindergarten through six, ensuring they have access to nourishing meals on the weekend throughout the school year.
As a demonstration of their commitment to supporting important causes in the community, TruNorthern Federal Credit Union is accepting donations for the Backpack Program in their lobby located at 494 E. Main Street in Malone. There is a secure collection box where donations are being collected. TruNorthern Federal Credit Union is taking it one step further by matching all donations up to $5,000 per year.
“We are pleased to announce that thanks to the generosity and kindness of so many, this effort has raised nearly $1,500 in community donations, which TruNorthern has matched dollar for dollar, resulting in total fundraising this year of almost $3,000,” said Amanda Tagliarino, Senior Director of the Fieldstone Foundation. “We are honored to stand side-by-side with TruNorthern in the fight against childhood hunger and we could not be more grateful for their support.”
Individuals interested in making a matched donation can visit TruNorthern Federal Credit Union before the end of the year. Not only does this generosity support an important local cause, but the donation is also tax deductible.
Fieldstone Foundation welcomes other local businesses interested in joining TruNorthern by setting up a collection box. These bins provide a convenient way for employees and customers to contribute to the Backpack Program, amplifying the impact of this vital initiative.
For more information on how to get involved or set up a collection box at your business, please contact Amanda Tagliarino at (518) 483-1251. For more information about the Backpack Program or to support the Fieldstone Foundation’s efforts, please visit www.fieldstonefoundation.net.