Lighthouse CU and Foundation Collect 2,100 Pounds of Food to Support 13 Local Pantries with Annual Drive

January 7, 2025 |

From mid-November to mid-December, Lighthouse CU and its Foundation hosted their annual food drive across 17 branch locations. Thanks to the generosity of members and community partners, the drive collected 2,100 pounds of nonperishable food, benefiting 13 food pantries across New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont.

Branches and back-office teams embraced the spirit of giving by also contributing food donations. Branch teams selected local organizations to ensure the donations had a direct impact on their communities. The following food pantries received support:

  • Brown Church (NH)
  • Feeding Hope Pantry (NH)
  • Footprints Food (ME)
  • Gather (NH)
  • Good Shepherd (NH)
  • NH Food Bank (NH)
  • Restoration Food Pantry (NH)
  • Saco Meals Program (ME)
  • Seeds of Hope (ME)
  • Upper Valley Haven (VT)
  • We Care Food Pantry (NH)
  • Westbrook Food Pantry (ME)
  • York County Shelter (ME)

“Lighthouse CU’s partnership in our annual food drive has been an amazing collaboration,” says Kate Constantine, Community Engagement Manager at Gather. “Food drives like this are so important to us as they provide a variety of items that we don’t get through our traditional channels. Gather’s pantry market sees an average of 65 individuals daily, and our community room offers prepared meals to approximately 95 people. We serve between 10,000-11,000 individuals monthly through our various programs. Thanks to Lighthouse CU and their members for the generous donations to our community.”

Emily Moore, Advancement Director for the Lighthouse CU Foundation, emphasized the importance of supporting local communities during the holidays.

“As an organization committed to addressing the most pressing needs in our community, our food drive is a vital extension of our mission to combat food insecurity,” shared Moore. “This effort aligns with our broader impact on housing, food insecurity, and education, each of which plays a critical role in uplifting individuals and families. By providing essential nourishment, we are not just offering a meal, but also empowering people to thrive in all areas of their lives.”

This annual food drive exemplifies Lighthouse CU’s commitment to strengthening the communities it serves.