Kitsap Credit Union presented donations totaling $130,000 to 25 local food banks and Backpack for Kids organizations from Jefferson, Kitsap, Mason, and Pierce counties at its Holiday Cash & Dash.

The presentation was hosted at the credit union’s Harborside office.

Twenty-four local organizations each received a $5,000 donation from the credit union. Northwest Harvest, Washington state’s leading hunger relief agency, was gifted $10,000.

Recipients in Jefferson County include Backpacks for Kids, in Port Ludlow; Jefferson County YMCA and the Kiwanis Backpack Program, in Port Townsend; Tri-Area Food Bank, in Chimacum; and Port Townsend Food Bank, in Port Townsend,

“With some food banks serving more people than ever, we at Kitsap Credit Union found it crucial to support our local food banks in a much larger way during this challenging time,” said CEO Shawn Gilfedder.

During these uncertain times, limited economic means continue to increase the number and frequency of individuals and families relying on local food banks and food assistance programs for basic nutritional needs.

Additionally, there have been a growing number of students registering for free and reduced lunch programs in counties across Washington. To help ease the financial burden for these families, Kitsap Credit Union offered a “Skip-A-Pay” promotion to qualified members to raise funds for local Backpacks For Kids feeding programs.

“It is essential we help families struggling with food insecurity,” Gilfedder said. “We knew this would be the area where we could make the most significant impact for our community.”

Recipients were greeted with a musical entrance as they pulled into the drive-thru event, where each organization was given an oversized presentational check, along with a real check.