Brightening the Holidays for Capital Region Children and Families, Pioneer Presents $3,000 Donations to 21 Local Nonprofit Organizations

Albany, New York – Aligned with its charitable mission of “Helping Kids be Kids” and its recognized commitment to supporting children, families and communities throughout the Capital Region, Pioneer today presented $3,000 donations to each of 21 local nonprofit organizations. With these donations, Pioneer has now exceeded $1 million in giving to the Capital Region community since its Charitable Foundation was launched in 2018.

The donations were made during a check presentation ceremony at Pioneer’s headquarters in Albany.

“On behalf of an outstanding team that is actively engaged in contributing to the success of the Capital Region, I am privileged to present these worthy organizations with financial support to enhance the vital programs and services they provide,” said Thomas L. Amell, President/CEO of Pioneer. “These are truly investments in our most valuable asset – our young people – and in ‘helping kids be kids,’ we are also proud to strengthen families and communities, particularly amid the continuing challenges brought by the pandemic.”

Each of the nonprofit organizations receiving donations are located in, and serve residents of, the Capital Region. They include: AIM Services, Inc., Autism Society, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region, Boys & Girls Clubs of Schenectady, Capital District YMCA, CEO, Crossroads Center for Children, Family and Child Services of Schenectady, 15-LOVE, Homeless and Travelers Aid Society (HATAS), Hope 7, Lansingburgh Boys & Girls Club, Living Resources, Northern Rivers, Rensselaer County Department for Youth, SEAT Center, Things of My Very Own, Troy Youth Association, Unity House, Vanderheyden, and Wildwood Programs.

“We are most grateful to the caring and committed team at Pioneer for this generous support, which comes at a time of year when the needs of children and families are especially critical,” said Karen Carpenter Palumbo, CEO of Vanderheyden, speaking on behalf of the recipients. “As we collectively strive to assist a growing number of people in need across the Capital Region, it is encouraging to have partners like Pioneer stand with us in assisting the most vulnerable in our communities.”

Since being established in 2018, Pioneer’s Charitable Foundation has supported more than 375 local organizations that focus on the health and welfare of children, addressing critical needs such as housing, nutrition, and health care, and providing educational, social and recreational opportunities. In addition to financial support, Pioneer’s employees are actively engaged in outreach efforts, volunteering more than 10,000 hours and helping to select organizations to receive funding.

“The incredible impact of Pioneer’s Charitable Foundation is made possible by our dedicated employees, who are devoted to enriching the lives of children throughout the communities we serve,” said Susan Hollister, Chief Human Resources Officer and Pioneer Bank Foundation Co-Chair. “From volunteering their time to making financial contributions through payroll deductions, they embody a selfless spirit of giving that lifts up families and makes the Capital Region a more vibrant place to live and work.”

Organizations seeking charitable requests establish a Pioneer employee link prior to the request being completed; the employee then assists with submitting a request for consideration. Importantly, all administrative costs of the Foundation are covered by Pioneer, ensuring that 100% of all donations go directly to local charitable organizations.

Individuals interested in supporting the Pioneer Charitable Foundation may make a secure online donation atwww.pioneerny.com/community.