WESTSIDE — Arvest Bank is embarking on its second initiative to fight hunger in the more than 90 communities it serves. On Sept. 5, the bank kicked off a two-month, bank-wide effort to provide one million meals or more to those in need. The bank has pledged to raise the equivalent of one million meals through bank donations, in-branch fundraisers and non-perishable food drives to benefit local organizations fighting hunger.
The initiative takes place in September and October, and culminates in early November when donations are presented to recipient organizations. During that time, all Arvest branches will participate in various fundraising efforts in order to provide the equivalent of one million meals to 44 hunger relief organizations across four states - Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Kansas. The recipient organizations were selected on a local basis.
Jim Singleton, Arvest president in Gravette, said, “Last year Arvest raised more than 1.2 millionmeals for people in our communities and we are excited to do it again. This effort allows members of each community we serve to give back where they live, because all of the food raised in the community stays there. We have selected Gravette Gardens to be the recipient of our donations in the Gravette area. We look forward to working with them throughout this effort.”
In Gentry, donations will go to Genesis House in Siloam Springs. Genesis House assists those in need with meals, shelter, counseling and more.
According to Feeding America, 16 percent of American households, or more than 49 million people, do not have enough food to eat. This is the highest figure since the USDA began gathering data in the 1990s.
Gravette and Gentry area residents can help by participating in local Arvestsponsored events throughout the two months. In addition, every Arvest branch is selling paper plates for $1. Every dollar raised provides five meals to those in need.
News, Pages 5 on 09/12/2012