Robert J. Morton, president and CEO of bankHometown, is kicking off the bank’s annual Neighbors Helping Neighbors fundraising drive for 2023 to help support local food pantries. The annual appeal is part of the bank’s charitable giving program, The Giving Tree, which reflects the bank’s commitment to making a real difference in the neighborhoods it serves.

This marks the 20th year of the bank’s annual appeal, which invites bank customers, employees, and community members to donate money between November 1 and November 30 to help fight food insecurity. All donations up to $2,500 per customer will be matched dollar for dollar by bankHometown and the total raised will be divided among participating food pantries across Massachusetts and Connecticut in communities the bank serves. In 2022, through contributions and matching donations, the campaign raised over $66,000, and since inception has donated more than $331,000.

Donations of any amount are encouraged. As an added incentive to give, the bank offers those who donate the opportunity enter a drawing to win a $25 gift card, which will be awarded at each of its 16 locations.

“Neighbors Helping Neighbors shows how communities can come together to help others in need,” said Morton. “bankHometown is proud to lead this annual giving tradition. We thank everyone who selflessly gives each year.”

Those who wish to participate have until November 30 to make their donations. Checks should be made payable to “bankHometown Neighbors” and can be dropped off at any bankHometown branch or mailed to:

A total of 16 food pantries will be supported this year and include: Athol Salvation Army Food Pantry, Auburn Youth and Family Services Food Pantry, CARE Food Pantry, Clinton, Food Share: Southbridge, Charlton and Sturbridge, Friendly House Pantry, Worcester, Ginny’s Helping Hand, Inc., Leominster, Millbury Senior Center Food Pantry,

Oxford Ecumenical Food Shelf, Sutton Senior Center Michael A. Chizy Food Pantry,

St. John’s Food for the Poor, Worcester, and St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, Webster.