Liberty Bank, Community Partners Raise $829,176 To Provide Thanksgiving Meals, Stock Food Pantries

MIDDLETOWN, CT — In collaboration with 32 local Rotary Clubs, the East Haddam Community Lions Club and the Community Foundation of Middlesex County, the Liberty Bank Foundation announced today that $829,176 was raised through its 22nd annual Thanksgiving Drive.

The total amount raised by the Rotary Clubs was $628,176.

Liberty Bank Foundation provided a 25-cent match for each dollar raised which grew the grand total for 2025 to $785,220.

Recognizing the need in our community right now, the Liberty Bank Foundation Board of Directors made the decision to fund the entire $200,000 match, elevating the grand total of the drive to an $829,176. As a result, more than 50 organizations addressing food insecurity across Liberty Bank’s footprint will benefit from the proceeds of the drive.

According to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s annual Thanksgiving survey , the
average cost of a Thanksgiving meal this year is $5.52 per person. This effort equates
to over 150,000 meals for area individuals and families in need this Thanksgiving. The
donation to the community incorporates a match of $200,000 from Liberty Bank
Foundation to support each of the Rotary Clubs in their local campaign to ensure more
families have access to food this Thanksgiving.

In addition to Thanksgiving meals, the dollars raised will help stock food on pantry
shelves across the state just in time for the winter months ahead.

"For 200 years, Team Liberty has partnered with local organizations committed to
supporting our communities," said David W. Glidden, Liberty Bank's president and
CEO. "Through partnerships with Rotary Clubs, Lions Club, and the Community
Foundation of Middlesex County, we are addressing food insecurity during
Thanksgiving and beyond."

Beginning in 2004 when the Middletown Rotary Club and Liberty Bank teamed up to
expand this fundraiser throughout Liberty’s entire service area, local Rotary Clubs, the
Liberty Bank team and their new partner since 2022, CFMC, have raised over $8
million.

"At CFMC, we know that partnering is key to getting things done in our communities. We are honored to work with Liberty Bank Foundation and all the Rotarians who participated in this incredible Thanksgiving project," said Cynthia H. Clegg, the president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Middlesex County. "We feel fortunate to be surrounded by such caring, dedicated, and generous people and we are truly humbled to play a small part in helping our friends and neighbors enjoy this wonderful holiday."

The following Clubs are participating in the 2025 Liberty Bank/Rotary Club Thanksgiving
Dinner Drive: Branford, Bristol, Cheshire, Chester, Clinton, Colchester, Deep River,
Derby/Shelton, East Hampton, Essex, Groton, Hamden, Ledyard, Madison, Meriden,
Middletown, Montville, Mystic/Stonington, Naugatuck, New London, Newington, Niantic,
North Branford, North Haven, Norwich, Old Saybrook, Plainville, Simsbury/Granby,
Southington, West Hartford, Wethersfield/Rocky Hill, Willimantic, and the East Haddam
Community Lions Club.