By Emma Barhydt
Neighbor to Neighbor and the First Bank of Greenwich are two staple organizations in Greenwich, when the two join forces good things are sure to happen. This month, just such an event is happening. The First Bank of Greenwich is going to host a Food Drive with Neighbor to Neighbor from February 14th to 28th with a focus on fresh food and produce.
“We are proud to partner with the #GiveHealthy Platform which allows organizations, such as First Bank of Greenwich, to offer a food drive with a focus on fresh fruit and vegetables. This online platform allows us to control our fresh inventory throughout the year,” said a spokesperson from Neighbor to Neighbor.
“Getting involved and being a helping part of the community is important to us; and we couldn’t be more excited to be partnering with such an amazing local organization like Neighbor to Neighbor,” said Emily Newcamp, VP, Retail Banking Manager of the First Bank of Greenwich, who has been spearheading this at the First Bank of Greenwich.
The First Bank of Greenwich is our community bank, “When you walk into the First Bank of Greenwich, it doesn’t feel like a bank. It feels like a place that can only be described as quintessentially Greenwich.”
Neighbor to Neighbor has been serving the community since 1975, their mission is to “improve the lives of residents in need throughout the Greenwich area and strengthen our community by creating access to food, clothing and basic living essentials in an atmosphere of kindness and respect.”
Neighbor to Neighbor actually began as a clothing room, collecting and distributing gently used clothing. However, in 1984, as a response to the increasing cost of living, Neighbor to Neighbor started a weekly food program for Greenwich families in need. Currently Neighbor to Neighbor serves just under 500 households in Greenwich.
Over the course of the pandemic, Neighbor to Neighbor has been working overtime to meet the immediate needs of the community. “Food is our priority but we have also managed a robust distribution calendar of essential items, personal care products & household cleaners, i.e., winter jackets, pajamas, bath towels, socks, bed sheets, etc.” says spokesperson from Neighbor to Neighbor.
Currently, Neighbor to Neighbor is providing food assistance to each member of a household three days a week. Not just canned vegetables, Neighbor to Neighbor also strives to provide a majority of fresh produce each week.
the First Bank of Greenwich is ingrained in Greenwich in such a way that customers – whether individuals or small business owners – feel at ease. That’s by design, as many of the employees are residents of Greenwich themselves so you know they’re dedicated to the community.
“As a true community bank, we pride ourselves on serving the needs of our community. This fantastic new partnership with Neighbor to Neighbor allows us to carry out our mission of strengthening the communities we serve by helping those in need.” Quote from Evan R. Corsello, EVP and Chief Lending Officer
Even in their current temporary location, eventually moving into their new building on East Putnam Ave, Neighbor to Neighbor continues to serve a record number of households in Greenwich. Looking to the future, Neighbor to Neighbor is planning to offer an online grocery ordering platform, allowing clients flexibility to order and pick-up their groceries.
Neighbor to Neighbor will also continue their personal care distributions. Many of such necessary products, i.e., feminine hygiene products, are not covered by Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits and are becoming increasingly more expensive.
You can help Neighbor to Neighbor help our community by dropping off fresh produce at any of the the First Bank of Greenwich branches, or if you can’t drop off goods in person, no worries- you can also donate online at https://www.ntngreenwich.org/donation-form
