PLYMOUTH – The recent economic downturn has put a considerable strain on resources of local food pantries. To help in this time of need, HarborOne Credit Union has stepped up and donated $500 to the South Shore Community Action Council Inc., which administers the Plymouth Food Warehouse.

Ed Alfieri, manager at the Plymouth branch of HarborOne, presented a check to Patricia A. Daly, Executive Director of the South Shore Community Action Council. She said the money will be used to provide food assistance to local families through the warehouse, which supplies food pantries throughout the town.

“There is a desperate need in the community right now,” Daly said. “Our resources are stretched thin because of the increased demand. This donation comes at a critical time but we need other businesses and residents to help as well.”

Alfieri echoed her words: “These are very difficult financial times for all of us, but there are many far less fortunate who need the basic necessities such as food to survive. HarborOne appeals to other businesses to join in supporting this effort.”

Food donations are accepted at the Plymouth Food Warehouse on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon. For more information about making contributions or receiving food assistance, contact the South Shore Community Action Council at 508-747-7575.

Located between Routes 80 and 44 at 43 Commerce Way, HarborOne Credit Union welcomes all area residents to visit its newest office. Managed by Ed Alfieri of Plymouth and Assistant Manager Patricia Kaiser of Carver, HarborOne’s newest branch offers full-service banking products and services, including free checking, highly competitive rates on CDs and IRAs, home equity loans and lines, consumer loans and more. Home mortgage products are competitively priced and a team of mortgage originators is available to meet with borrowers at just about any time or place.

Local business banking specialists are also on hand who can help with financing and business banking services, with a personalized approach. A variety of business loans are available at extremely competitive rates and because loan decisions are made locally, answers are provided within three business days or less, guaranteed.

Online banking and bill payment services are available through HarborOne’s website, www.harboronecu.com. HarborOne Credit Union is the largest community-based state-chartered credit union in New England with over $1.5 billion in assets. The new Plymouth branch is HarborOne’s 12th retail location in Southeastern Massachusetts. HarborOne has received the highest “Outstanding” rating for Community Reinvestment Act performance from the Massachusetts Division of Banks for the past four examinations. For more information about HarborOne, call 508-895-1000.