SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – The Springfield Thunderbirds, in conjunction with their official community partners at M&T Bank, are pleased to announce a food drive collaboration at Western Mass M&T branch locations throughout the month of November, with donations directly benefiting Rachel’s Table of Western Massachusetts.

Fans are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items and meet T-Birds personalities at the following locations and times:

• Saturday, Nov. 7, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - Westfield branch (10 Elm Street, Westfield), featuring T-Birds mascot Boomer
• Saturday, Nov. 14, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - West Springfield branch (50 Elm Street, West Springfield), featuring T-Birds mascot Boomer
• Wednesday, Nov. 18, 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. - Chicopee branch (445 Montgomery Street, Chicopee), featuring T-Birds players and mascot Boomer
• Thursday, Nov. 19, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. - Longmeadow branch (670 Bliss Road, Longmeadow), featuring T-Birds mascot Boomer

“This is an especially challenging time for many members of our community, as food insecurity continues to rise. We are incredibly grateful for our valued partnership with M&T Bank and their continued commitment to helping us address this growing need. Together, we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families throughout our community,” said Jodi Falk, Executive Director of Rachel’s Table of Western MA.

The Thunderbirds and M&T Bank have been active community partners throughout the T-Birds’ existence, serving as a pillar for the Springfield and Western Mass communities all year long, not just during the holidays. With M&T's support, the Thunderbirds make more than 400 appearances in the community each year, often tied directly to local nonprofit and charitable efforts.

“At M&T Bank, we believe no one in our community should have to worry about where their next meal will come from,” said Maureen Picknally, Senior Vice President Business Banking Team Leader for M&T Bank. “We’re proud to team up with the Springfield Thunderbirds for this food drive benefiting Rachel’s Table and the important work they do to help address food insecurity in our community. It’s a meaningful way to bring people together, to help support our neighbors, and make a difference for local families.”

“For so many families in our community, the holidays bring more worry than joy when the pantry runs low. The T-Birds are lucky to have fans who always show up for their neighbors, and we’re grateful to M&T Bank for helping us make it easy to do that together," said Thunderbirds President Nathan Costa. "Every donation that comes through those branch doors will help put a meal on someone’s table, and that’s the most meaningful part."

About Rachel’s Table of Western Massachusetts
Founded in 1992, Rachel’s Table works to alleviate hunger and reduce food waste in Western Massachusetts. Through intergenerational volunteering, more than 200 volunteers rescue surplus food from supermarkets, restaurants, caterers, and bakeries, and hundreds more glean produce from local farms. The food goes to more than 60 partner agencies serving neighbors facing food insecurity across Hampshire, Hampden, and Franklin Counties. To learn more, visit feedwma.org.

For more information on this and the T-Birds community efforts, contact the T-Birds at (413) 739-4625 or visit www.SpringfieldThunderbirds.com.