CHAMBERSBURG – More than 250 employees of F&M Trust recently spent an afternoon in Carlisle loading backpacks with essentials for local homeless and at-risk veterans.
The employees packed more than 300 backpacks as part of Totes for Hope, the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania’s effort to support homeless, hospitalized, at-risk and resource deprived veterans in the community. The backpacks, which contain toiletries, household basics and comfort items, are provided to VA hospitals, community groups and non-profits to get them into the hands of those who need them.
“This is very personal to many of our employees, who are veterans themselves or have a family member or close friend who is a veteran,” said Tim Henry, president and CEO of F&M Trust. “The services that organizations like the American Red Cross provide are so important, and we are grateful for being able to come together and support our communities.”
The bank’s project also included the Franklin County Office of Veterans Affairs, which is dedicated to providing resources and outreach programs to area veterans and their families.
The donated backpacks will be distributed by the Red Cross as part of a Stand Down event early next year. Stand Downs provide supplies and services to homeless veterans as well as assistance for health care, housing, employment, substance use and mental health.
“The Red Cross stands by our military community from the day of enlistment through navigating life as a veteran, offering vital resources and support for their physical, mental and emotional well-being,” said Laura Burke, executive director of the American Red Cross Central Pennsylvania Chapter. “Through the unwavering dedication of our volunteers, many of whom are veterans themselves, we ensure those who have served our country receive the continuum of care they deserve.”
The backpacks marked the bank’s annual observance of Banktoberfest, an event that since its inception in 2016 has emphasized team building, exceeding expectations and community service. Previous events included projects that contributed to environmental conservation efforts, benefitting area food pantries and supporting youth foster care agencies.
F&M Trust has a longstanding partnership with the American Red Cross. Since 2017, the bank has hosted 22 onsite blood drives that collected 468 units from 522 employee donors.
About F&M Trust: A subsidiary of Franklin Financial Services Corp., F&M Trust is an independent community bank headquartered in Chambersburg. With approximately $2.2 billion in assets, F&M Trust has 23 community-banking locations in Franklin, Cumberland, Dauphin, Fulton and Huntingdon counties in Pennsylvania, and in Washington County, Maryland. People may visit fmtrust.bank for more information.
