We spoke with Brad Wells of U.S. Bank and Catherine Draeger-Pederson about the success of this drive, and what a project like this means for the community (hint: it’s more than just full stomachs!):
Brad Wells, Vice President & Market Credit Administrator, U.S. Bank
Why did U.S. Bank decide to do a food drive this year?
We were trying to think of a unique and creative ways to engage employees in the United Way campaign at US Bank. Having Friedens Community Ministries come to our campaign kickoff meeting was very eye-opening for our staff. We definitely took to heart how difficult hunger can be in the community and decided to build a project around this issue.
Was the drive successful?
Oh man! We filled my office, and then the entire United Way volunteer van, full of food! The best part of this event was actually going to a Friedens pantry and having some of our staff help put the food away. This in-person experience really helped emphasize how the drive directly impacted the community.
Why do you encourage U.S. Bank employees to get involved and give back to our community?
It is incredibly important that we remain cognizant of the people in our communities less fortunate than us. U.S. Bank continues to advocate strongly that we as employees should give back to our communities. As a United Way ambassador and leader at U.S. Bank, it’s important that I set a good example and ensure our co-workers have opportunities to use their volunteer days and help organize activities like this.
Catherine Draeger-Pederson, Director, Friedens Community Ministries
How many lives will be impacted through the U.S. Bank food drive donation?
As the United Way van drove up with U.S. Bank’s donation, Friedens had already heard about how the U.S. Bank team had gone above and beyond everyone’s expectations. As donations were unloaded from the van, they were immediately loaded onto the shelves and was back in the community two days later. That weekend, our Despensa de la Paz pantry ended up serving 175 families.
What does a donation like this mean to the community?
Every donation we receive is more than about only the food. The food is a bridge which allows people to know that other people care for them; that times might be hard, but the greater community wants to make sure their needs are met. At Friedens we build ladders of peace through our food pantry network, and this donation joins us on that journey.
Read more about the great work of Friedens Community Ministries.
Interested in hosting a food or supply drive with your work group? Check out our list of upcoming needs here or visit our volunteer website to learn more.