Taking Action to Nourish Lives and Communities
Gina Gallagher | Citizens Contributor
Mary N. and Kenneth S. have taken very different paths in their careers at Citizens.
Both, however, share a very powerful value –giving back to the community to make life better for others.
“I was raised by a single mom [who] taught us to give back,” says Mary, a branch manager in Dorchester, Massachusetts. “We were always involved in any way we could … whether it was packing food or reading to kids in libraries.”
Kenneth, a portfolio manager in Commercial Banking in South Carolina, has worked hard to bring that value to his family.
"Over the years I’ve enjoyed coaching my kids’ sports teams, getting involved with school events … helping at the food bank.”
Given their passion for giving back, it’s not at all surprising that both were eager to join hundreds of other Citizens colleagues to stand up for a powerful cause – to fight hunger and food insecurity.
Citizens helping build healthier lives
Food insecurity can happen to anyone.
It could be a parent who must make the painful choice of paying the electricity bill over buying food for their family. Or a child that’s sent to school with less expensive, unhealthy food. Or an elderly person on a fixed income who, after paying for medicine, has no money left over for groceries.
Through Citizens Helping Citizens Fight Hunger, Citizens supports Feeding America and local hunger organizations that are dedicated to reducing food insecurity and providing equitable access to healthy food.
And this September, in honor of Hunger Action Month, we’re proud to recognize the work of our dedicated colleagues who volunteered nearly 90,000 hours of their time to fight food insecurity in 2021.
By volunteering their time to fight hunger, Citizens colleagues are helping give individuals and families a chance for healthier lives - colleagues like Marilyn R., a CTC advocate in Consumer Banking in Connecticut and Feeding America volunteer, who helps pack food for distribution and assists at food pantries.
“The best gift you can give is your time,” shares Marilyn. “It can make a big difference in your community.”
But it's not just those living in hunger who benefit from the volunteer experience.
Staci A., a senior risk specialist in consumer banking, cites the opportunity to help others and the camaraderie with fellow volunteers as one of the reasons she chooses to work at Citizens.
“It’s great to work together for a common cause,” she shares. “I'm really proud of the work Citizens does in the community.”
Ready to join our colleagues in the fight against hunger?
During Hunger Action Month and throughout the year, you can do your part to fight hunger. Here are some ways you can get involved:
- Speak out: Wear orange and raise awareness on social media.
- Learn: Read about the impossible choices of hunger in your community
- Volunteer: Find your local food bank and see how you can help
- Commit: Support Feeding America through our virtual food drive
You can also learn more about Citizens Helping Citizens and our commitment to nourishing communities and building better lives for all.
Disclaimer: Views expressed may not necessarily reflect those of Citizens. The information contained herein is for informational purposes only, as a service to the public, and is not legal advice or a substitute for legal counsel, nor does it constitute advertising or a solicitation. You should do your own research and/or contact your own legal or tax advisor for assistance with questions you may have on the information contained herein.