Caring Committee Gives $13,500 to Local Charities

Annually, The Arbor Financial Caring Committee identifies community initiatives that need our support. The committee was founded in 1998 and is a staff-led team of volunteers that have dedicated time and energy to serving local charities throughout West Michigan! In 2021, the Caring Committee donated over $16,000 to local charities. Most recently, in just the last few months of 2022, the Caring Committee has donated $13,500 to the following food banks, pantries, and animal rescues:

• Adopt a Friend For Life ($500)
• Michele’s Rescue ($500)
• Humane Society of Branch County ($500)
• Allegan County Collaborative Food Pantry – Allegan, MI ($1,000)
• Broncos Kitchen – Kalamazoo, MI ($2,000)
• Buist Community Assistance Center – Byron Center, MI ($1,000)
• The Community Basket – Caledonia, MI ($1,000)
• Elanor’s Pantry – Paw Paw, MI ($1,000)
• Family Network of Wyoming – Wyoming, MI ($1,000)
• Generous Hands – Vicksburg, MI ($1,000)
• Loaves and Fishes – Kalamazoo, MI ($2,000)
• Love Your Neighbor – Hudsonville, MI ($1,000)
• Three Rivers Food Site – Three Rivers, MI ($1,000)

To raise funds for donations and supplies The Caring Committee partners with team members of Arbor Financial through the Casual for a Cause Day initiative. Casual for a Cause Day is supported by participating Arbor Financial employees that donate $5 from every paycheck. As donations begin accumulating, the Caring Committee takes funds and donates to four different areas of need within the communities we serve. These areas of need could include anything from the well-being of children, mental health awareness, animal well-being and so much more. Annually, staff will vote on which four areas will be assisted throughout the year.

Most recently, the team has been traveling throughout West Michigan to hand deliver donations as well as volunteer at local pantries to supply food to those in need. After making their rounds, the Caring Committee spent the day at Loaves and Fishes in Kalamazoo to provide helping hands! Committee members provided large boxes of food to those that stopped by, just in time for the holidays. Team members also worked with the staff of Loaves and Fishes to prepare boxes, load vehicles, talk with community members, and enjoy the opportunity to be present and give back.

Greta Faworski, the Associate Director of Loaves and Fishes shared with us by saying, “We are so thankful for not only the monetary donation that Arbor Financial has given us but also the volunteers in order to host the event. Because of their efforts, Loaves and Fishes were able to serve 400-600 families.” Scotty Brewer, a member of the Arbor Financial team and Caring Committee reflected by saying “It’s been wonderful to be a part of the caring committee. It fills my cup by having the opportunity to give. Through Arbor Financial, I feel like I am making a difference.”