FRANKLIN
Bronco Federal Credit Union knows that hunger knows no season.

“We have been told countless times that food banks are remembered during the holidays for donations but, this time of year can be a struggle for them to stay fully stocked,” said Brian Hedgepeth, CEO.

This is the number one reason that BFCU holds its annual collection drive for Franklin Cooperative Ministries in the late spring/early summer. This year marks their fourth year of collecting food for FCM.

Their first collection drive in 2014 resulted in 1,700 pounds donated, and the amount each year has steadily grown. The 2017 drive collected over 7,000 pounds of food to feed the local residents of Franklin and Southampton.

The success of this year’s donations can be attributed to the members and staff of BFCU, the local participating car dealerships, and many local businesses that agreed to have collection bins placed there. Since 2014, Bronco has now attained the milestone of collecting and donating over 20,000 pounds of food to Franklin Cooperative Ministries.

A quick Google search on food banks will tell you that it is estimated that 1.2 pounds of food donated is equivalent to a meal. This means that Bronco has helped contribute over 16,600 meals in our community.

“The food drive was a true community effort and we appreciate that those who donated recognize the importance of keeping their donations local,” Hedgepeth said. “We absolutely could not have done this on our own and are grateful for the help from our members, staff, and local businesses.”

The food drive for FCM is also a part of BFCU’s new initiative, Bronco’s Helping Hands. Bronco’s Helping Hands started in January of 2017 and has been performing acts throughout Franklin and Suffolk to show their support and to offer kindness. Visit www.broncofcu.com for details on other projects.

Bronco wishes to thank the businesses that participated in this food drive: Roger Fowler Sales & Service, Mike Duman Auto (Suffolk and Franklin), Blake Ford, Barton Ford, Beach Ford, Shear Madness, Island Tan, Tangles, Newsoms Peanuts, Smith Jewelers, The Cat’s Meow, Exodus Outdoors, Richwood Graphics, Nottoway House Furniture, Bobby’s Muffler & Tire, Franklin BP, Fred’s Restaurant, Joe’s Pizza & Pasta, Aesthetics by Naomi, Mackans Office Supply, Moore Designs & Embroidery, Nicholson’s Auto Parts and Southern Charm Garden Center.