Paducah Bank President Mardie Herndon presented an $8,000 check from the Bank’s Swipe and Serve program to Ricky Burse, Executive Director of New Pathways for Children this morning. Burse is thankful for Paducah Bank’s donation. “We’re very appreciative and grateful of the support from the bank and all of our partners throughout the community,” said Burse. “I think they get it. They understand that this is a partnership between all of us. We’re in the trenches. We’re on the ground with the children, but they’re the supply line. If they weren’t there with the support, help and resources, we couldn’t do what we do.”

More than 750,000 Kentuckians, or 17% of the state’s population, do not always know where their next meal will come from. Almost one in four of Kentucky’s children lack consistent access to enough food for a healthy, active lifestyle. Paducah Bank is working to change that statistic. Every time a customer uses a Paducah Bank debit card as a credit transaction money is set aside to feed the hungry. “Three years ago, we began a partnership with our customers to support our commitment to the needs of the community,” said Paducah Bank President Mardie Herndon. “Our Swipe and Serve project allows our customers to help us help those who are hungry in our community. With each signature-based debit card transaction that our customers make, we set aside a contribution to a local organization that helps feed the hungry. Our quarterly goal is $7,500, but we continuously surpass that every time.”

For 26 years, New Pathways for Children has been committed to bringing hope to children in crisis. Last year, they introduced a mentoring and meals program for at-risk children.  Each week they offer free hot meals, clothing, and basic necessities to low income children. The meals are served by adult volunteers who offer encouragement and guidance to each child. New Pathways also operates a private residential group home for abused, neglected, and abandoned children.

Every quarter, a new recipient of the Swipe & Serve Program is awarded. Past recipients include the 4-H Food Backpack Program, the River City Mission, and Paducah Cooperative Ministry.

Paducah Bank has distributed more than $100,000 to feed the hungry since the program began three years ago. To learn how you can become a part of the Swipe and Serve Program, contact Paducah Bank at 270.575.5700.