A survey of Americans by NBC and the Wall Street Journal looked at social media. It found people are generally negative on social media, with 61% saying it does more to spread unfair attacks and rumors against public figures and corporations. Perhaps even more shocking - 82% said it wastes people's time.
We know one thing though, community bankers definitely do not waste a customer's time, and they do plenty to support the cities and towns where they operate. So, as we continue to travel through Community Banking Month, we highlight some more outstanding examples of local outreach by community banks.
Today, we highlight the work community bankers are doing to fight hunger and restore communities after devastating fires. We applaud these banks along with all community bankers who continue to go the extra mile day after day. Thank you for your ongoing support to your communities!
Bell Bank ND volunteers filled, weighed, sealed and boxed over 310k meals - enough to feed over 850 children for a year! These meals were distributed through Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) to orphanages, schools, clinics and other programs to feed malnourished children.
First Eagle Bank IL also supported FMSC. In one two-hour charity event in November, employees from both branches helped pack 7k meals where everyone participated in a specialized task to support hungry children.
First Southwest Bank CO donated funds to their region's SNAP Double-up Program, which gives low-income neighbors the chance to use food stamps at their local farmers' markets.
Marine Bank IL participated for the first time in the 13th Annual Corporate Food Fight Challenge organized by the local foodbank. Bank employees spent over 125 volunteer hours collecting over 3k lbs. of food and raising over $1,425 and received the "Chip In" Award for the most volunteer hours by a single business.
The Equitable Bank WI hosts an annual "Starch Madness" food drive benefiting the Hunger Task Force of Milwaukee. This event includes Starch Madness brackets with eight foods going head-to-head with voting via social media.
Exchange Bank CA employees raised over $125k through a variety of fundraising events in 2018. The bank donated $150k specifically for fire relief and recovery and provided financial support to employees who lost their homes in the 2017 fires.
Five Star Bank CA responded with boots on the ground to the 2018 Camp Fire in Paradise - the deadliest in CA to date. Employees served and comforted their community through Salvation Army and Samaritan's Purse. The bank also donated to Boys & Girls Club in support of the victims and created a matching employee donation program.
Golden Valley Bank CA raised money in response to Camp Fire, capturing $8.5mm over 100 days through its Foundation's pairing with 40 of its business customers.
Northern California National Bank CA has been involved with the Camp Fire recovery as well. It sponsored two dinners with over 200 people at each for the first responders, fire personnel, law enforcement and their families to thank them. Also, the bank president organized a bus trip for the Paradise basketball team to spend the day in Sacramento and watch the Kings play.
