A local building contractor is planning to make a big contribution to help supply meals to those in need. Don Shetler, of Energy Savers CNY, is partnering with the Food Bank of Central New York. He hopes to donate up to $10,000 to the non-profit by the end of the year.
Growing up with his mother and sisters in Madison County, Don Shetler said his family didn't have much and depended on local food pantries to get by when he was a boy. Now, Don is the owner and president of Energy Savers CNY which sells high quality windows.
As a way to give back, he said he will donate $10 dollars from every window his company sells to the Food Bank of Central New York. The goal is to reach a total of $10,000 by December.
That will be enough to help the Food Bank to supply more than 30,000 meals to people in need in its 11 county service area. While Shetler looks at his donation as a way to give back Food Bank officials are grateful.
"It's a great feeling to give back. In any capacity. But to give back to somebody that helped you, when you struggled, makes it even better," said Shetler.
"We are thrilled to partner with Don and Energy Savers CNY. The donations they are going to provide to us is going to help meet people where they are and get nutritious food into the community," said Food Bank of CNY Chief Development Officer Lynn Hy.
This announcement comes at a time when the Food Bank is seeing a record number of families and individuals come to them for food assistance. Last month, the non-profit distributed more than 1.6 million pounds of food.
Meanwhile the Food Bank is gearing up for the next few months to provide meals through its summer service food programs. If you'd like to help you're encouraged to visit FoodBankCNY.org.