Springfield Thunderbirds and M&T Bank Host Food Drive for Rachel's Table

Springfield Thunderbirds and M&T Bank Rally Community for November Food Drives

As the chill of November settles over Western Massachusetts, a familiar and vital tradition returns. The Springfield Thunderbirds, in partnership with M&T Bank, are hosting a series of food drives throughout the month, with all donations going directly to Rachel’s Table of Western Massachusetts to help combat rising food insecurity in the region. The Springfield Thunderbirds reported the collaborative effort, which invites fans to meet team personalities while making a tangible impact on their neighbors’ lives.

Food insecurity has been climbing, and for many families in the area, the holidays are a source of anxiety rather than joy. The drives are designed to turn that worry into action, one can at a time.

“Every donation that comes through those branch doors will help put a meal on someone’s table, and that’s the most meaningful part,” said Thunderbirds President Nathan Costa. Thunderbirds President Nathan Costa

Where to Meet the Team and Make a Difference

The schedule for the food drives is packed with opportunities for community members to contribute. Fans are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to the following Western Massachusetts M&T Bank branch locations to meet T-Birds personalities, including the beloved mascot Boomer:

Springfield Thunderbirds and M&T Bank Host Food Drive for Rachel's Table

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

The presence of the Thunderbirds players and mascot adds a layer of community spirit to the charitable work, making the act of giving feel more personal and connected to the local professional sports team. This isn’t an isolated effort; it’s a cornerstone of the Thunderbirds’ deep-rooted commitment to the region. The organization, with M&T’s support, makes more than 400 community appearances each year, often in direct service of local nonprofits and charitable causes.

Rachel’s Table, the beneficiary organization, has been a bulwark against hunger since its founding in 1992. Through a network of more than 200 volunteers, the organization rescues surplus food from supermarkets, restaurants, and local farms, distributing it to over 60 partner agencies across Hampshire, Hampden, and Franklin Counties. This model of gleaning and redistribution has created a critical pipeline of food that might otherwise be wasted, channeling it directly to families facing hardship.

A Partnership Built on Community Anchors

The partnership between the Thunderbirds and M&T Bank exemplifies a corporate-community model focused on sustainable, year-round engagement, not just holiday-driven philanthropy. For M&T Bank, the initiative is a direct extension of its mission to support the communities it serves.

“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.”

Jodi Falk, Executive Director of Rachel’s Table of Western MA, said the collaboration with M&T Bank is making a meaningful difference for individuals and families in the community. The food drives provide a simple, accessible way for individuals to contribute to a larger solution.

The work of Rachel’s Table highlights a complex issue. The organization doesn’t just provide meals; it addresses the systemic problem of food waste while simultaneously tackling the immediate need for nourishment. By engaging volunteers of all ages, over 200 individuals collect surplus food from supermarkets, restaurants, caterers, and bakeries, while several hundred more harvest produce from local farms.

Worth a look