For the second week of Community Banking Month, we want to continue to recognize some of the distinctive and special ways community banks are supporting their local populations.
Today, we provide you with stories that embody both responsiveness and creativity in giving. Where there is a need, community banks reach out. We honor you all for your tireless commitment to your communities.
Wildfires and Mudslides
- Montecito Bank and Trust in CA was one of the few banks that remained open during voluntary evacuation. It provided 1500 face masks and 12 air purifiers in its branches, and distributed 15,000 bottles of water. $32,275 was raised for disaster relief as well.
Urgent Blood Donations
- Someone in the US needs blood every 2 seconds. Responding to the local need, First Sound Bank of WA donated blood Memorial Day weekend to replenish the local blood supply.
No Shoes
- Partnering with People's City Mission, Cornhusker Bank in NE increased awareness and helped those in need of a pair of shoes through: monetary and shoe donations, organizing a walk in town and encouraging people to go shoeless for one day to highlight the importance of suitable footwear.
- First National Bank of River Falls in WI holds a Run/Walk/Roll event every year where 100% of the proceeds are used to purchase new shoes and socks for needy children. Last year, $9,300 was raised.
No Car
- Frederick County Bank of MD saw the possibility of providing support to the community in a new way - donating its courier car. It was donated to Second Chances Garage which provides cars to families in need for $500. Second Chances Garage also repairs vehicles at a reduced cost - repairing close to 900 cars last year.
No School Supplies
- Bank Independent in AL collected school supplies for students in need through their School Share program. They donated close to $15,000 and 960 volunteer hours in total through their four Share programs in 2017.
No Food
- Carlsbad National Bank in NM recently donated $1,000 to Packs for Hunger, which works to fill backpacks with nonperishable food for students who are in need of meals over the weekend. The students can continue the program as long as they return the backpacks each Monday. This program feeds 200 students.
- Winona National Bank of MN helped to kick off Minnesota FoodShare's Grocery Grab campaign where local teams raced through a local grocery store and collected food in 90 seconds. All food was donated to the local food bank.
We honor all community banks this month, not only those whose stories we share. We want to take this time to thank all community banks for keeping our communities strong!
Stay tuned for more next week!
