SACO — In 2013, Saco & Biddeford Savings Institution donated more than $332,000 to more than 375 organizations and nonprofits throughout the southern Maine area, and other nonprofit chapters in Maine. This was the 12th consecutive year that the bank was able to donate more than $300,000.

Beneficiaries include food pantries and meal programs, schools, service programs, health and wellness programs, the arts, and environmental preservation programs.

“We are proud to continue our support of area nonprofits and organizations in these difficult times when the need is greater than ever,” said Kevin Savage, president of Saco & Biddeford Savings.  

Part of the bank’s 2013 donation included more than $13,000 that was contributed to local food pantries and meal programs just after the start of the new year to help restock shelves that were depleted over the holidays. This most recent donation is in addition to the support that the bank provides these food programs throughout the year.

“We have found that everyone puts so much emphasis on donating to food pantries during the holidays and that shelves end up bare at year’s end,” said Donald Lauzier, community relations director of Saco & Biddeford Savings Institution. “This is our way of helping them kick-start the new year.”

In addition to the bank’s contributions, a monthly employee Jeans Day helped raise an additional $2,000 that went to local nonprofits that were selected by the bank’s employees.