Sandia Area Federal Credit Union employees and members donated more than $62,300 to Storehouse food pantry in Albuquerque during the holidays with their Face the Hunger Challenge.

The effort began Nov. 15 and wrapped up Dec. 31.

During that time, Sandia Area matched donations, for a total amount of more than $124,600. Collection barrels in the Sandia Area branches were also filled with non-perishable donations from the credit union’s members and employees.

The credit union has supported Storehouse for many years. With increased food prices this year, more families are seeking nutritional assistance.

Storehouse estimates that a $25 donation can feed a local child for a month.

Sandia Area has branches across Albuquerque, Rio Rancho and Santa Fe. Membership is open to people who live, work, worship or attend school in Bernalillo, Sandoval, Santa Fe, Cibola, Torrance or Valencia counties; to businesses and other legal entities located within those counties; and people who subscribe to permaculture ethics such as care of the earth and its people.