Pennsylvania Bankers Association Members Team with ODBFP to Give Back to the Community

The Pennsylvania Bankers Association were recently in Marco Island at the JW Marriott for their 2021 Convention with a four-day packed schedule of dynamic speakers, inspirational programs and discussions about the state of the banking industry. But they were also looking to help out in the community. 

"Bankers do more than just safeguard their customers' savings; they support the dreams and livelihoods of the small businesses, customers and communities they serve and beyond," said Duncan Campbell, PA Bankers' President and CEO. "The Pennsylvania Bankers Association and its members continually look for important and engaging ways to support the community, and we thank Our Daily Bread Food Pantry (ODBFP) for welcoming us with an opportunity to serve the Marco Island area."

Thanks to Chris Majors, General Manager of the Marriott Golf Club, who directed the PA Bankers to the mission of ODBFP to wipe out hunger in the community.

The PA Bankers spent their first day, Friday, October 29, with over 40 volunteers helping out and giving back to the community. A bus picked up the volunteers at the JW Marriott around noon and dropped off the first group at the Winn-Dixie Supermarket.

The group joined the crew of ODBFP at a “Buy One Give One” Food Drive and got to meet the generous members of the community and the Winn-Dixie Team.

This was also a very special day for the Winn-Dixie team; Stephen Sheppard, General Manager, was presented with the Hunger Heroes of Distinction Award from Ron Clay of ODBFP.

According to Sheppard, this is a very special partnership. “Winn-Dixie Marco Island does whatever it takes to help out.” Kristina Fashauer from Winn-Dixie District Office added that “Stephen has been championing this relationship and we support this team for all the great things they do on Marco Island.”  

According to Ron Clay, once a year they also do a massive food drive for the Food Pantry and in years past, this led to about six pallets of food. A big thank you to the Marco Island Winn-Dixie Team and their over 100 employees!

The second group from the PA Bankers Association were dropped off at the Food Pantry Annex at Wesley United Methodist Church where they helped fold flyers, wrap door prizes for senior lunches, label large food bags and work with the ODBFP team with office filing and organization.

The third group of volunteers were dropped off at the ODBFP on Winterberry Drive where there was much to do to prepare for the Saturday food distribution. They bagged fresh produce, frozen meat, and non-perishable food. Volunteers also sorted and marked food donations, re-stocked the shelves and weighed donations.

By mid-afternoon, everybody met up at ODBFP location at Winterberry Drive for a first-hand look on how each food cart is filled with a variety of foods, including milk, eggs, meat items, fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh bread, snack boxes, canned vegetables, breakfast cereals, beans, rice, pasta, etc., all based on availability.

According to Cindy Wallett, SVP, Member Relations and Professional Development for PA Bankers Association, “we were grateful for the opportunity to help! And the Pantry team made it a fun, effective and efficient experience. The community of Marco can be proud and thankful for the staff and volunteers of Our Daily Bread and when we return to Marco, we will be back with helping hands.”

ODBFP serves as a lifeline for many of its recipients as prices for meats, poultry and eggs continue to rise. According to Liz Pecora, Vice President of ODBFP, the Pantry serves 40% children, 51% adults and 9% Seniors.

ODBFP is thankful to the generosity of the Marco Island community, its supportive partners, and for the helping hand of visitors such as the PA Bankers Association.