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Fleetwood Bank recently hosted its annual Community Gift Basket Bingo, a fundraiser put together by Fleetwood Bank employees volunteering their time and effort.
While different nonprofits throughout Berks County are selected to benefit from this initiative each year, the bank always donates 100% of the proceeds evenly among the selected charities.
“In the past three years alone, Fleetwood Bank has raised over $33,000 to directly benefit local organizations throughout Berks County,” Timothy Snyder, president and CEO of Fleetwood Bank, said in a release.
“Each year our team and the community as a whole shows up to make a collective difference, and each year I am reminded of the impact we have as community bankers to create opportunities throughout Berks County,” continued Snyder. “I continue to be impressed by the generosity of our customers and the community as we continue to successfully enhance this event for the benefit of our neighbors.”
This year, the bank had a goal of raising $12,500, which was exceeded by $1,740 thanks to the help of customers, employees, local businesses and neighbors throughout the community.
As a result, Fleetwood Bank was able to donate the $14,240 that was raised between the following nonprofits: Hannah’s Hope Ministries, Pawsitive Hearts Pet Therapy and Rescue Inc., Greater Reading Mental Health Alliance, and VOiCEup Berks.
Bank employees personally delivered the checks to the organizations in time for the holidays. This allowed them the opportunity to personally see how these nonprofits are making an impact.
At Hannah’s Hope Ministries on Upland Avenue in Reading, Karen Marsdale, senior director, offered a tour of the private family suites while explaining that four women who went through their 18-month program in the last two years went on to purchase their own homes.
“Since 2023, 89% of families going through our program have remained in safe, secure housing,” said Marsdale. “Our purpose is to give each mom the opportunity to learn and grow into the strong, confident woman she is intended to be. Women are finding careers, learning to be independent, and living healthy, satisfying lives. Our goal of ending homelessness one family at a time is truly working.”
Pawsitive Hearts will be allocating the $3,560 it received to help pay for vetting expenses, and will also be putting some of the money towards its building fund, as they are currently in the process of saving to purchase a shelter.
“We are incredibly grateful to Fleetwood Bank for selecting us as one of the recipients of their awesome annual Bingo event,” Kathy Iglar, executive director, Pawsitive Hearts, said in the release.
Wendy Seidel, executive director of Greater Reading Mental Health Alliance, said that the donation from Fleetwood Bank will allow the Alliance to continue its mission and to serve people in the community regardless of their ability to pay.
“We believe firmly in filling the gaps in services that exist in all communities,” said Seidel. “We often say, ‘If it exists, we’ll help you find it, and if it doesn’t exist, we’ll create it.’ We are deeply thankful for the generosity of Fleetwood Bank and everyone who helped make this donation possible.”
Since launching in 2016, VOiCEup Berks has engaged thousands of young people in over 57,000 hours of service to Berks County through projects that address real community needs. Last year alone, 1,564 young people between the ages of 11 and 24 gave more than 11,500 hours to causes that matter — tackling food insecurity, supporting mental health, addressing homelessness and social justice, strengthening education, and more.
“We’re truly grateful for Fleetwood Bank’s commitment to supporting youth and community programs across Berks County,” Christi Terefenko, executive director of VOiCEup Berks, said in the release. “This support will help us expand hands-on service-learning opportunities for youth and young adults and give even more students the chance to grow as leaders by strengthening the work young people are doing every day.”
Next year’s fundraiser will take place on Oct. 25, 2026 at the Oley Fair Centre. Those looking to make a difference, whether through purchasing a ticket or making a donation, are encouraged to visit fleetwoodbank.com/annualbingofundraiser for more information on how to get involved next year.
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