The News Journal

By Aaron Nathans

The Bank of America Foundation on Thursday announced $400,000 in donations to two

Delaware charities, giving $200,000 apiece to The Food Bank of Delaware and La

Esperanza.

The money is being given through the bank's Neighborhood Excellence Initiative, which is

distributing $20 million worldwide as part of the program.

The money comes at a critical time for the Food Bank, which has received 30 percent

more requests for assistance because of the downturn in the economy, the bank said.

The food bank delivered 7.5 million pounds of food in 2008.

"We're very thankful for Bank of America's support, not only through money, but they also send countless volunteers here on a very regular basis," said Kim Kostes, community relations manager for the food bank. "We're very happy we have them as a partner in the fight against hunger in Delaware."

La Esperanza, based in Sussex County, supports the Latino community by providing medical and education services and immigration assistance. The group serves 8,000 families each year.

"In our current economy, communities need our support more than ever, and this program is designed to give that support through the effective combination of partnership, leadership development and flexible funding," said Tim Huval, the bank's Delaware state president.

The initiative also honors "local heroes," directing a $5,000 donation to the charity of the recipient's choosing.

The 2009 winners:

•Sister Ascension Banegas. Funds will be given to La Esperanza.

•Renee Palmore Beaman, a registered nurse. Funds will be given to Beautiful Gate Outreach Center Inc.

•Diane Carroll. Funds will be given to Delaware Association for Children of Alcoholics Inc.

•Allen "Duffy" Samuels. Funds will be given to Duffy's Hope Inc.

•Joseph McCaffrey. Funds will be given to the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association.

Finally, the initiative honors 230 student leaders from around the country who participated in paid eight-week summer internships at local nonprofits. They also took part in a weeklong student leadership summit in Washington. The five 2009 Delaware Student Leaders:

• Julie Hall, of Hockessin, a graduate of Cab Calloway School of the Arts. She interned at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware.

• Ashley McNeill, of Wilmington, a senior at Cab Calloway. She interned at the Boys & Girls Clubs.

• Shandice Sandiford, of Newark, a senior at Mount Pleasant High School. She interned at the Latin American Community Center.

• Anthony Williams, of Wilmington, a graduate of St. Elizabeth High School. He interned at the Boys & Girls Clubs.

• Monica Wilson, of Hockessin, a senior at Tower High School. She interned at the Latin American Community Center.