Charter Oak gift match raises $400,000 for local organizations

Charter Oak Federal Credit Union’s matching gifts program raised a total of $400,000 for local nonprofits in 2020. This is the third consecutive year the Board of Directors has elected to double the credit union’s match to $200,000, following a large number of member donations.

The program, which runs from August to November, matches donations to charities made by credit union members.

This year’s campaign matched 970 donations to 283 organizations, including the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation, Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center, and St. Vincent de Paul Place. The credit union and its members have donated nearly $1.6 million through the program since 2016.

Jewett City Savings Bank supports nonprofits

Jewett City Savings Bank has awarded $100,000 in grants to six area nonprofits to support them during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Funds for the grants came through the bank's participation in the Jobs for New England Recovery Grant Program, administered by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston to assist local businesses and organizations impacted by the pandemic, especialy those unable to secure sufficient funding through government assistance.

Awards includes $20,000 to the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce in Westerly, $20,000 to the Theater of Northeastern Connecticut in Putnam, $20,000 to the Garde Arts Center in New London, $15,000 to Thompson Ecumenical Empowerment Group in North Grosvenordale, $15,000 to Jewett City VFW Post 10004, and $10,000 to A Reason to Ride in Plainfield.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has created extraordinary financial challenges for local businesses and non-profits, which are so vital to the health and economic strength of our communities," Kevin Merchant, president and CEO of Jewett City Savings Bank, said in a release. "Jewett City Savings Bank is proud to lend a helping hand to these deserving organizations that might otherwise not have had access to financial support."

Kindness in Real Life is a regular feature in The Times. To contribute, email times@theday.com.