Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union (Affinity Plus) raised $50,096 for regional food banks across Minnesota during its third annual Coins for a Cause fundraising drive that took place at its branch locations last week. This included a $25,048 matching donation from Affinity Plus.
“Year after year, it has been extremely heartwarming to see Minnesotans in our communities come together to help their neighbors,” said Adam Layne, Senior Community Engagement Specialist at Affinity Plus. “As our food bank partners struggle to meet the increase in demand this year, it’s inspiring to see community members step up to make this coin drive such a success.”
Funds from Coins for a Cause will go directly to six Minnesota food banks, including Second Harvest Heartland, which reported a 30% increase in demand this holiday season.
“We are so grateful that Affinity Plus continues to recognize the impact of mobilizing communities to rally around local food banks,” said Barb Brotherton, Director of Community Engagement at Second Harvest Heartland. “Each dollar raised equals three meals, so Coins for a Cause 2022 will ultimately provide 150,288 meals on the table for Minnesota families, just in time for the holidays.”
This year’s coin drive took place Dec. 5-9 at 22 participating Affinity Plus branches throughout the state. On Dec. 9, Affinity Plus hosted collection events outside of its branch locations, providing refreshments and rewarding the first 25 donors at each location with a $10 Caribou Coffee gift card.
Affinity Plus has raised more than $185,000 through its Coins for a Cause initiative since 2020, providing 555,000 meals for families in need. In 2021, Affinity Plus was honored with the Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Service Award in recognition of the credit union’s efforts to bring communities together to turn loose change into meaningful meals for Minnesotans experiencing hunger.