Paducah Bank recently presented a check to New Pathways for Children for $5,200 to support the organization’s work of feeding children in Paducah-McCracken County.

For 27 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. In 2017 they provided a home for 20 children, and served nearly 5,000 meals and thousands of additional snacks.

 “Five years ago, we created a special initiative that works in a partnership with our customers and our commitment to the needs of the community,” said Mardie Herndon, Paducah Bank President. “Our Swipe and Serve project allows our customers to help us help those who are hungry in our city and county. Every time our customers use their debit cards as a signature-based transaction, the bank is putting aside a contribution to one of five local organizations that help the hungry.

The check was presented to Ricky Burse, Executive Director of New Pathways for Children. Burse says he 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.”

Paducah Bank Marketing Director Susan Guess credits their customers for the program’s success. “We live in a generous community,” she said.  “Our customers have helped us donate more the $150,000 to help those with food insecurity throughout our community.”

 “This is a testament to the people who make Paducah Bank the kind of caring community bank that we can all be very proud of,” added Herndon.