#United States #food insecurity #Pack the 'Pack #Charles Town, West Virginia #BCTCares Foundation

BCTCares Foundation Achieves Fundraising Milestone

On September 24, 2025, the BCTCares Foundation, operated by the employees of BCT-Bank of Charles Town, declared a remarkable success in its annual fundraising initiative, the Pack the 'Pack campaign. This year, the foundation raised an impressive $104,000, surpassing the $100,000 goal. Since its establishment, the BCTCares Foundation has donated a grand total of $509,000, with a mission to combat food insecurity among children in the local community.

The Pack the 'Pack program primarily aids four local nonprofit organizations dedicated to providing nourishing food to children, families, and individuals who struggle with food shortages. Each of the four partner nonprofits received a substantial $26,000, aimed at addressing the increasing costs related to food procurement. This funding will ensure that over 11,000 backpacks are filled with sufficient food supplies to last children for weekends, providing them with healthy meals during their time away from school.

The fundraising campaign ran from July 1 to August 31, 2025, during which contributions poured in from various sources, including clients, vendors, employees, and the general public from surrounding communities in Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. The level of engagement from all involved was exceptional, reflecting the strong community spirit and dedication to supporting local children in need.

Alice P. Frazier, the President and CEO of BCT, expressed immense pride in the outcomes of this year’s campaign. She noted, "We set a goal that, candidly, I was skeptical we could reach. Our team took the challenge and not only met the goal but exceeded it!" Her gratitude extended to everyone who contributed to the cause, either financially or through volunteer efforts, emphasizing the impact these contributions have on children facing food insecurity in the community.

The BCTCares Foundation collaborates closely with local backpack programs to facilitate food distribution to those in need. The partner nonprofits for this initiative are:

• - Berkeley County Backpack Program (Berkeley County, WV): feedbcwvkids.org
• - Community Combined Ministries – Kidz Power Pacs (Berkeley and Jefferson Counties, WV): communitycombined.org
• - HARC/Micah’s Backpack (Washington County, MD): harccoalition.org/programs/micahs-backpack/
• - Fueled (formerly Loudoun Backpack Coalition) (Loudoun County, VA): loudouneducationfoundation.org/fueled

Since its formation in 2021, the BCTCares Foundation has aimed to provide direct aid to food-insecure children and families in the communities served by BCT-Bank of Charles Town. Located at 111 E. Washington Street, Charles Town, WV, the foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization, and interested individuals can learn more by visiting BCT's website.

BCT-Bank of Charles Town, also known as The Community’s Bank, has a proud history dating back to its founding in 1871. Today, with approximately $920 million in assets, the bank serves multiple counties in the region and provides a variety of financial services to its clients. The institution remains dedicated to fostering community development and supporting local initiatives like the Pack the 'Pack program.

In conclusion, the phenomenal success of the Pack the 'Pack campaign this year underscores the power of community engagement and support. The significant funds raised will feed thousands of local children, equipping them with the nutrition they need to thrive. As the foundation moves forward, it remains committed to its mission of fighting food insecurity, ensuring that no child in the community goes hungry.