Making a Difference.
Changing lives in our community through giving
We make it part of our mission to give back to the communities we serve all year round. In addition to donations, we volunteer, organize fundraisers, and partner with other local organizations to make a bigger difference in the lives of others.
First Source is proud to have given approximately $250,000—and over 400 volunteer hours—to help more than 100 local organizations and thousands of individuals so far this year. And we’re still giving back! We’ve just adopted 8 families for the holidays through Kids Oneida.
Our charitable work does more than simply give a handout; it gives a hand up. In addition to helping many local businesses grow, it provides for basic human needs, a better future, and education. It helps people live healthier, more independent lives.
We encourage you to join us in the spirit of giving. Help a neighbor, donate or cook a meal for someone in need, donate something warm, mentor a student, provide company to someone who may not have family or loved ones nearby…there are so many ways to positively touch the lives of those who are less fortunate. Be creative! No matter how small your gesture, it does make a difference.
Let’s work together to inspire others to do more throughout our community.
2016 First Source Involvement
American Heart Association
- Campaign raised over $135,000, surpassing their goal
- 7th year: Go Red for Women Luncheon Presenting Sponsor
- Funded heart health awareness, education, and research initiatives
- Participated in America’s Greatest Heart Run and Walk with runners, walkers, and volunteers
Learn more at American Heart Association
Root Farm
- Funded the building of a new multi-purpose classroom at The Root Farm
- In collaboration with Upstate Cerebral Palsy, The Root Farm opened a new equine and agricultural center, including this classroom
- The Root Farm is a unique community space, fulfilling needs for people of all abilities
Learn more at Root Farm
Utica Zoo
- Hosted the Dream Big event at the Utica Zoo, announcing their 20-year Master Plan
- First to offer major funding support for the renovation of the Education Animal Enrichment and Training Center
- Volunteered at the Zoo for multiple events and operational needs
Learn more at Utica Zoo
Ride for Missing Children
- Diamond Sponsor of The Ride for Missing Children; 7th year as premiere sponsor of this event
- 11 riders and 9 volunteers participated
- Event raised $408,000
- More than 9 million posters of missing children distributed; nearly 7,000 recoveries
- 25,000+ children and parents educated on abduction prevention this year
- Volunteered in many capacities, including implementation of a new registration system
Learn more at The Ride For Missing Children
Veterans
- Partnered with Express Employment Professionals on the Veterans’ Supply Drive initiative
- Volunteered at several events
- Over 17,000 lbs. of food and $1,500 have been raised this year
Learn more at the Central New York Veterans’ Outreach Center
Utica College
- Supported the college through multiple board seats, volunteerism, and facility needs
- Supported the men’s football and hockey athletics programs, funding operational and equipment needs
- Supported the UC Young Scholars Program, sponsoring the Grow Big Dreams Celebration Dinner, and volunteering on the selection committee
Learn more at Utica College
Utica Children’s Museum
- Built an interactive mini-branch on location
- Volunteered, painting the facility entrance
- Our LMV representative helped plan an outdoor sensory garden
Learn more at Utica Children's Museum
Relay for Life
- 32 employees and family members participated in this daylong event
- Team First Source raised $5,320 for the fight against cancer
- With corporate donation, contributed $6,320 to the American Cancer Society for the fight against cancer
- A total of 45 teams raised $110,000 for the event
- Funds raised provide patient services to people touched by cancer in our community and nationwide
Learn more at Relay for Life of Utica
Stevens Swan Humane Society
- Raised $5,000, as well as food and supplies
- 49 employees, family members, and friends participated in the Wiggle-Waggle Walk-a-thon
- 1 employee adopted a shelter dog
Learn more at Stevens-Swan Humane Society
House of the Good Shepherd
- Donated $4,000 to “A Brighter Future Education Fund”, providing financial support for higher education and technical training beyond high school
- The House has now raised a total of $18,000 for the Education Fund
- Funds benefit residential children, day services students, and foster care children at The House
Learn more at The House of the Good Shepherd
Mohawk Valley Health System
- Funded the St. Luke’s Campus ICU waiting room facility reconstruction, providing a comfortable environment for families
Learn more at Mohawk Valley Health System
Banzai Financial Literacy Program
- 61 curriculum orders in 23 schools
- Educated 3,860 students
Learn more at First Source
Kids Oneida
- Adopted 28 children from 8 families for the holidays
- Donated $1,500
- Funded turkeys for more than 100 families for Thanksgiving dinner
- During our 6-year involvement, adopted 136 children from 48 families
Learn more at Kids Oneida
Remember to share your giving and inspire others using the hashtag #CNYgives!