Making a Difference Together
Volunteers from Addition Financial Credit Union recently made a big impact in Central Florida. They gathered and donated over 2,150 pounds of non-perishable food to three local schools. This effort helped restock the needs pantries that were revamped through their “Renovate to Educate” program last summer.
The schools benefited from this generous act include Engelwood Elementary in Orlando, Millennium Middle School in Sanford, and Lakeview Elementary in St. Cloud. The estimated value of the donations? Around $4,524!
The “Renovate to Educate” initiative aims to support students and families facing food insecurity. It provides a welcoming space where they can access essential items. The food donated included items like ramen noodles, canned meats, cereal, peanut butter, and pasta—everything often requested to meet student needs.
Jania Fuller, the School Administration Manager at Millennium Middle School, shared her thoughts: “Renovate to Educate didn’t just refresh a room at Millennium; it restored dignity to the experience. Every time Addition Financial partners return to restock, they reinforce stability and community.”
Cristina Lehman, executive director of the Addition Financial Foundation, echoed this sentiment. “These pantries are meant to be ongoing resources, not one-off projects. The kindness of Addition Financial team members in regularly stocking these shelves shows how committed we are to helping students focus on learning and growth,” she said.
Beyond Central Florida, Addition Financial staff in North Florida and South Georgia also joined the effort, donating 691 pounds of food to the Second Harvest of the Big Bend. This extended the program’s positive impact further into the community.
The Broader Picture
Food insecurity is a significant issue affecting many students across the U.S. Recent statistics indicate that approximately 1 in 6 children face hunger. It’s crucial to create supportive environments for these students, enabling them to succeed in their education.
In times of uncertainty, community efforts like those from Addition Financial make a considerable difference. By working together, we can ensure that every child has the resources they need to thrive.
