When the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco presented a matching donation program to its member banks to push donations into the communities they serve, Turlock offices of F&M Bank jumped at the chance to get funding for local nonprofit Westside Ministries.

Westside Ministries was awarded $1,000 from the Federal Home Loan Bank and F&M has matched the donation with a second $1,000 check.

“We are a pure donor-funded organization. We’re really thankful to F&M for thinking of us,” said Westside Ministries Assistant Director Arturo Murillo.

The Turlock ministry is most known for its after-school programs for local children that include a 4-H club and award-winning urban dance troupe. Since the coronavirus pandemic, however, the ministry has been focusing on getting much-needed food and supplies to families in need.

“We’re just trying to figure out ways we can provide services while maintaining COVID regulations. Lately, we’ve mainly been handing out food…and help distribute hand sanitizer and face masks,” said Murillo.

The nonprofit runs a drive-through food box pickup from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. every Wednesday for any and all local families in need at 952 Columbia Ave., Turlock.