TOLEDO, Ohio– Directions Credit Union has awarded $20,000 to eight local food banks as part of its 2025 Holiday Food Bank Rally, a community initiative designed to address the rising need for food assistance during the holiday season.
Each donation supports a food bank serving communities within Directions’ field of membership, helping ensure families, seniors, and children have access to nutritious meals during the winter months.
This year, community members helped drive the campaign by engaging with Directions Credit Union on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Directions pledged to donate $1 for every like on Food Bank Rally posts, up to $20,000. Thanks to strong participation, Directions is awarding the full $20,000 to local food banks.
“We recognize that hunger continues to affect many communities, especially during the holiday season,” President and CEO Barry Shaner said in a statement. “Through our Food Bank Rally, we invited our members and employees to take action and support food banks across Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. Their response was tremendous, and because of their generosity, we are able to present checks to multiple food banks throughout the communities we serve.”
Donations were distributed based on the population served by each organization:
- Toledo Northwestern Ohio Food Bank – $8,000
- Monroe County Opportunity Program (MI) – $3,000
- Catholic Charities HOPE Pantry (Richland County) – $3,000
- Willard Area Food Bank (Huron County) – $1,200
- Associated Charities of Ashland County Food Bank – $1,200
- Wooster Hope Center (Wayne County) – $1,200
- Greater Dover New Philadelphia Food Pantry (Tuscarawas County) – $1,200
- Care and Share of Erie County – $1,200
Throughout December, Directions Credit Union said it will host individual check presentations with each food bank. These presentations offer opportunities to highlight local hunger-relief efforts and recognize the organizations providing direct support to families in need.
“As a not-for-profit cooperative, our mission extends far beyond financial services,” said Shaner. “Every day, our employees work alongside our members to support financial wellness, education, and overall quality of life. Supporting local food banks is a natural extension of that commitment, and we’re proud to help strengthen the communities we serve.”
