In collaboration with 32 local Rotary Clubs, East Haddam Community Lions Club and the Community Foundation of Middlesex County (CFMC), Liberty Bank Foundation announced today that $829,176 raised through its 22^nd 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 astounding $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 & 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, President & CEO, 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.

About Liberty Bank Foundation

Since its inception in 1997, Liberty Bank Foundation has awarded over $21 million in grants to nonprofit organizations throughout Liberty Bank’s market area.  Following the Bank’s ‘Be Community Kind’ spirit, the Foundation seeks to improve the lives of individuals and families by investing in three key areas:  Education & Training, Affordable Housing, and Food.

About Community Foundation of Middlesex County (CFMC)

Community Foundation of Middlesex County’s mission is to improve the quality of life for the people of the County now and in the future by developing endowments, making grants that have impact, and assisting donors in meeting their philanthropic objectives.

About Rotary: Service Above Self

Rotary is a global network of more than 1.2 million volunteer leaders who dedicate their time and talent to tackle the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges.  There are 34,000 Rotary clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas. Clubs are nonpolitical, nonreligious, and open to all cultures, races, and creeds. Their work impacts lives at both the local and international levels, from helping families in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world.  As signified by the motto “Service Above Self,” Rotary’s main objective is service — in the community, in the workplace, and throughout the world.