LorMet Community Federal Credit Union is spreading holiday cheer, according to a news release.
On the morning of Nov. 21, leadership from LorMet Community Federal Credit Union visited Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio and presented the Lorain-based nonprofit with $30,000 raised through LorMet’s recent member match campaign, the release said.
Knowing their donations would be matched, members of the credit union responded to the campaign with incredible generosity, stepping up to fight hunger and help families ahead of the upcoming holiday season, according to the release.
LorMet has contributed a total of over $187,000 for Second Harvest, providing more than an estimated one million meals to local families since 2016, the release said.
“When embarking upon our inaugural campaign for Second Harvest in 2016, our objective was to demonstrate our shared commitment to help our neighbors and the families in our communities,” said Daniel Cwalina, president/CEO of LorMet Community Credit Union in the release. “Asking for donations and crediting ourselves on behalf of the generosity of others didn’t feel right.
“Doubling the donations of our membership allowed us to collectively make a meaningful impact on hunger by providing one million meals in seven years. Looking back, it’s truly remarkable to witness the generosity of our members over the years and their reaction to contributions being matched by LorMet.
“It’s incredibly fulfilling to see the number of families we’ve been able to impact.”
Julie Chase-Morefield, president/CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio, welcomed the support from LorMet.
“Because of the continued and steadfast support of LorMet and their generous members, local families this year, can enjoy the holidays and beyond,” Chase-Morefield said in the release. “This is a season to come together.
“We want to make sure everyone has access to enough food for the whole family to enjoy.”
According to Andrew Krieger, director of marketing at LorMet Community Credit Union, it has made efforts to give customers extra information on how many meals can be bought with their donations.
For example, a $1 donation can provide seven meals, and with a matched donation, would be 14 meals, Krieger said.
“We go to great lengths to kind of let our membership know, this is the direct impact you’re going to make, and it’s going to be doubled, because the organization just wants to contribute to make a difference as well,” he said.
The community certainly unites during the drive, according the Krieger.
Also, the community feel is present in the credit union, he said.
Customers are eager to participate by leaving donations early and gathering information prior to the drive, Krieger said.
“It’s people helping people, especially in the Amherst community,” he said. “Since we’re one of the main credit unions, we want to make sure we take the lead on that and help people.”