In early April, Horizon Bank wanted to find a way to help the residents of Michigan during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Bank’s administration reached out to Janet Pasco, Market President of Oakland County, who is overseeing a new office in Troy. “I received a call from my executive management, explaining that Horizon Bank wanted to give back—specifically to the Detroit area. They knew I was familiar with the region, and that I might know where the support would have a great impact. I immediately thought of Gleaners.” said Pasco. “After a bit of research, I could tell the organization was actively supporting the community during this emergency.”
This is not the first time Pasco offered support to Gleaners. She has been an active volunteer for the past several years, bringing groups of individuals from Kensington Community Church to serve at Gleaners’ Oakland County Distribution Center. “We spent Saturdays sorting food and preparing boxes to be delivered to local families in need,” said Pasco. “The Gleaners team does a great job in teaching volunteers about all what they do to serve the community.” Pasco said she appreciates when nonprofit organizations allow their supporters to witness the service work first-hand. “These experiences have made me a life-long fan of Gleaners.”
Horizon Bank’s generous gift will support Gleaners’ emergency response efforts. As of April 20, Gleaners has expanded food distributions to reach an additional 40,000 households with nutritious food. The Gleaners’ Oakland Distribution Center, where Pasco volunteers, is expanding service to produce 5,000 quarantine boxes per week. The boxes, made up of 26.5 pounds of well-balanced foods, are being distributed to Michigan seniors who are among the most at-risk populations in our nation.
“We are incredibly grateful to have Horizon Bank supporting Gleaners’ expanded efforts during the state of emergency,” said Stacy Averill, Senior Director of Community Giving & Public Relations. “And I am so inspired to hear Janet Pasco’s story—and how Horizon Bank supported her awareness of the local community. This gift of support provides hope to so many.”
Gleaners continues to operate 66 new drive-up mobile food distribution sites, in addition to our ongoing work. These expanded operations are made possible in part by the support of individuals and organizations like Horizon Bank.
“I know Gleaners will continue to do an excellent job feeding the hungry in our community during this unprecedented time,” said Pasco. “We hope that other’s in the local community are inspired to volunteer and support Gleaners’ mission.”
Need help? Call 2-1-1- to be connected to an emergency food assistance nearest you. Visit our food distribution page for more information about Gleaners’ drive-up sites.
Want to help? Donate online and find more opportunities to help here.