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OTIS FCU’s angel tree.
OTIS FCU recently kicked off a new holiday initiative aimed at combating hunger. Through its angel tree, the credit union is raising money to pay off local student lunch debt.
Each angel bears the mascot of one of six area school districts (RSU 9, RSU 38, RSU 73, RSU 78, MSAD 52, or MSAD 58) on its front and a dollar amount on its back. By selecting an angel from the tree, credit union visitors can help sponsor a local child’s school lunch.
The angel tree idea was generated through a conversation OTIS FCU President/CEO Kim Turner and Director of Marketing and Communications Sarah Hayes had with Spruce Mountain High School Food Service Director Laura Lorette during a check presentation at the school. While logistics for the initiative were coordinated with each school district, a committee of OTIS FCU employees created the ornaments and prepared the tree.
“A student who is hungry has a harder time focusing on learning,” said Lorette. “Nutritious foods provide kids the energy to excel in and out of school. RSU 73 provides a nutritionally-balanced breakfast for free to each student and low-cost or free lunch to students each school day. Unfortunately, one in five children in Maine struggle with hunger and many households that experience food insecurity do not qualify for public assistance. We are very pleased to participate in this program to reach as many students as we can.”
On December 31, OTIS FCU will disburse checks for the total amount donated to each of the school districts’ lunch programs. The funds distributed will be used to pay down student lunch debts.
“We are so excited to be able to do this for the school districts within our field of membership,” said Turner. “Food insecurity, particularly within schools, is very real. During this time of giving, we feel that this is a great opportunity to help children that may not have the means to pay for their lunches.”