Submitted by Amanda Falcone, Liberty Bank
(November 27, 2025) — In collaboration with thirty-two local Rotary Clubs, and the East Haddam Community Lions Club and the Community Foundation of Middlesex County, Liberty Bank Foundation has announced that $829,176 was raised through its 22nd Annual Thanksgiving Drive.
The total amount raised by the Rotary Clubs was $628,176. Liberty Bank Foundation provided a 25-cent match for each dollar raised, which grew the grand total for 2025 to $785,220. Recognizing the need in our community right now, the Liberty Bank Foundation Board of Directors made the decision to fund the entire $200,000 match, elevating the grand total of the Drive to an astounding $829,176. As a result, more than fifty organizations addressing food insecurity across Liberty Bank’s footprint will benefit from the proceeds of the Drive.
According to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s annual Thanksgiving survey, the average cost of a Thanksgiving meal this year is $5.52 per person. This effort equates to more than 150,000 meals for area individuals and families in need this Thanksgiving. The donation to the community incorporates a match of $200,000 from Liberty Bank Foundation to support each of the Rotary Clubs in their local campaigns to ensure more families have access to food this Thanksgiving.
In addition to Thanksgiving meals, the dollars raised will help stock food on pantry shelves across the state just in time for the winter months ahead.
“For 200 years, Team Liberty has partnered with local organizations committed to supporting our communities,” said David Glidden, Liberty Bank President and CEO. “Through partnerships with Rotary Clubs, Lions Club, and the Community Foundation of Middlesex County, we are addressing food insecurity during Thanksgiving and beyond.”
Beginning in 2004 when the Middletown Rotary Club and Liberty Bank teamed up to expand this fundraiser throughout Liberty’s entire service area, local Rotary Clubs, the Liberty Bank team and their new partner since 2022, CFMC, have raised more than eight million dollars.
“At CFMC, we know that partnering is key to getting things done in our communities. We are honored to work with Liberty Bank Foundation and all the Rotarians who participated in this incredible Thanksgiving project,” said Cynthia Clegg, President and CEO, Community Foundation of Middlesex County. “We feel fortunate to be surrounded by such caring, dedicated, and generous people and we are truly humbled to play a small part in helping our friends and neighbors enjoy this wonderful holiday.”
The following Clubs are participating in the 2025 Liberty Bank/Rotary Club Thanksgiving Dinner Drive: Branford, Bristol, Cheshire, Chester, Clinton, Colchester, Deep River, Derby/Shelton, East Hampton, Essex, Groton, Hamden, Ledyard, Madison, Meriden, Middletown, Montville, Mystic/Stonington, Naugatuck, New London, Newington, Niantic, North Branford, North Haven, Norwich, Old Saybrook, Plainville, Simsbury/Granby, Southington, West Hartford, Wethersfield/Rocky Hill, Willimantic, and the East Haddam Community Lions Club.
