Bangor Savings Bank employees support food pantries

by Staff Pioneer Times
15 years ago

By Elna Seabrooks
Staff Writer
    HOULTON — When executives of Bangor Savings Bank decided to forgo the annual employees’ meeting and donate the money it would have spent on the annual gathering to Maine food pantries, they may not have anticipated the response from within the bank.
    “Everyone was pleasantly surprised at the reaction. Employees supported it 110 percent. They’re still hearing how thankful the employees are to give back to the food pantries,” says Chris Nickerson, vice-president and northern area sales manager for Bangor Savings Bank.
    In Houlton, Mildred Madigan, coordinator for the St. Mary’s Food Pantry’s said the $100 donation will go a long way. “This wonderful gift from the bank is most generous. It’s important because people are without jobs. And, we are able to help them because of gifts like this.”
ImagePioneer Times photo/Elna Seabrooks
COMMUNITY SPIRIT — Mildred Madigan, coordinator of the St. Mary’s Food Pantry accepts a $100 donation from Chris Nickerson, vice-president and northern area sales manager for Bangor Savings Bank. The donation is one of many made to Maine food pantries after executives decided to forgo the bank’s annual meeting and use the money to support local food banks. Madigan says the donation will help many families and individuals put food on the table at this time of high unemployment.
    Nickerson echoed Madigan’s concerns about lack of employment. “The bank takes pride in giving back to the communities it serves. This is a way to show our support because of what’s happening in the community with factories closing and people losing jobs.”
    Madigan knows how to stretch dollars donated to the food pantry where she has volunteered for 19 years. She says she can buy food and supplies for only 16 cents per pound in Brewer at Catholic Charities and purchase necessities that families cannot get with their food stamps.
    The St. Mary’s Food Pantry is available to anyone who needs a helping hand. To maintain confidentiality, appointments are recommended by calling 532-9122.