St. Mary’s Bank recently made a $1,000 grant to the Greater Manchester Red Cross’s SeniorConnect program. The funds will be used to purchase equipment that is central to the program’s operations.

“With St. Mary’s gift, we will be able to purchase the laptops, printers and other tools we need to bring the benefits of SeniorConnect to more senior citizens in our community,” said Lisa Michaud, interim executive director of the Greater Manchester Chapter of the American Red Cross. “We are truly grateful to St. Mary’s Bank for their outreach grant.”

SeniorConnect was started in 2005 by a Red Cross youth volunteer who recognized that with some assistance, seniors could take advantage of email and print technology to stay in touch with friends and family around the world. Today, eight youth volunteers regularly help seniors at three assisted living facilities to compose and retrieve email, view digital photos, and print messages using laptops and other portable equipment.

“SeniorConnect not only gives seniors more opportunities to stay in touch with loved ones, but also fosters intergenerational relationships,” said Tom Champagne, Director of Community Outreach for St. Mary’s Bank. “We appreciate the time and energy donated by SeniorConnect’s volunteers, and we’re happy to help expand such a thoughtful, effective program.”

The gift to SeniorConnect was made through St. Mary’s Bank’s Community Outreach Program, which serves the New Hampshire community through loans and grants to specific organizations and charities.

About the Manchester Chapter of the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross has been serving the Greater Manchester Community for over 90 years, helping citizens to better prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. It is our goal to extend our vital services to everyone in the community, regardless of age, race or status. The Red Cross is 90 percent volunteer-driven. Visit the Greater Manchester Red Cross online at www.redcrossmanchester.org.