It is that time again — Community Banking Month time! A few years back, we started the tradition of showcasing community financial institutions (CFIs) that sent us their outreach stories. We always feel inspired by these efforts in their communities around the country and we know that there are many more out there as well. As we kick off the month, we share stories of disaster support, acts of kindness, and food donations through food banks and farmers’ markets.Disaster support
On December 10, 2021, an F4 tornado ripped through Mayfield, KY, leaving debris and devastation in its wake. Although FNB Bank was badly hit, destroying both its main office and operation center, the bank employees began helping customers and community members. They created a disaster recovery landing page on the bank’s website where visitors could find information about special loan programs and waived fees. FNB also donated $10K to Hope and Homes for Kentucky Inc., to help rebuild homes in the affected area. It joined forces with another local community bank, First Kentucky Bank, to offer the DREAM Together loan program, which offers low-interest loans for local businesses that need to rebuild.In Boulder, CO, Alpine Bank supported survivors of the disastrous Marshall fire by sponsoring the Grief Support Network’s mindful grieving program, a virtual six-week series open to all. This CFI also donated $20K to the Community Fund of Boulder County to help recovery efforts from the fire.Acts of kindness
In Lexington, Buena Vista, and Rockbridge County, VA, CornerStone Bank held its 25 Days of Caring in December. During the event, CornerStone employees purchased, wrapped, and delivered toiletries, books, grocery gift cards, toys, and holiday food and drink to nonprofit organizations, schools, families, and individuals. Nonprofit organizations’ budgets had been cut, making it difficult for nonprofits to serve the neediest community members. To help these nonprofits tell their stories and bring in donors/sponsors, Alpine Bank in Durango, CO pitched a local news station on a segment called Community Matters. Says Brenda Macon, executive director of the Durango Arts Center, “The world is hearing that we’re here and offering more than ever. Art and theater classes are filling up.”Food drives and farmers’ markets
MidWestOne Bank in IA assisted in starting the Keokuk County Farmers’ Market, as well as heading up the Farmers’ Market expansion this year. In WA, all 14 branches of Coastal Community Bank held food drives for six weeks in November and December. They collected 3,565 pounds of food to support 11 food banks in their communities. Hundreds of families were served by this generous donation and enjoyed a holiday meal. Among other activities, Quantum National Bank in GA teamed up with a local Rotary and Kiwanis Club to collect almost 1,000 food and personal items for donations to North Gwinnett Co-op. These donations aided those in need during the holidays. With their efforts and donations, these CFIs made it clear that community members can rely on them to help when times are hard. We know that this continues throughout the year and we thank all CFIs for their important work in their communities.
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PCBB Celebrates 25 Years and Community Banking Month with $25,000 in Donations!
In celebration of 25 years of supporting community financial institutions, to celebrate Community Banking Month, and as a way to give back to your communities in gratitude, we invite you to submit a 501c(3) nonprofit organization into our drawing for the chance to receive one of ten $2,500 donations. Learn more and submit a nonprofit.
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On December 10, 2021, an F4 tornado ripped through Mayfield, KY, leaving debris and devastation in its wake. Although FNB Bank was badly hit, destroying both its main office and operation center, the bank employees began helping customers and community members. They created a disaster recovery landing page on the bank’s website where visitors could find information about special loan programs and waived fees. FNB also donated $10K to Hope and Homes for Kentucky Inc., to help rebuild homes in the affected area. It joined forces with another local community bank, First Kentucky Bank, to offer the DREAM Together loan program, which offers low-interest loans for local businesses that need to rebuild.In Boulder, CO, Alpine Bank supported survivors of the disastrous Marshall fire by sponsoring the Grief Support Network’s mindful grieving program, a virtual six-week series open to all. This CFI also donated $20K to the Community Fund of Boulder County to help recovery efforts from the fire.Acts of kindness
In Lexington, Buena Vista, and Rockbridge County, VA, CornerStone Bank held its 25 Days of Caring in December. During the event, CornerStone employees purchased, wrapped, and delivered toiletries, books, grocery gift cards, toys, and holiday food and drink to nonprofit organizations, schools, families, and individuals. Nonprofit organizations’ budgets had been cut, making it difficult for nonprofits to serve the neediest community members. To help these nonprofits tell their stories and bring in donors/sponsors, Alpine Bank in Durango, CO pitched a local news station on a segment called Community Matters. Says Brenda Macon, executive director of the Durango Arts Center, “The world is hearing that we’re here and offering more than ever. Art and theater classes are filling up.”Food drives and farmers’ markets
MidWestOne Bank in IA assisted in starting the Keokuk County Farmers’ Market, as well as heading up the Farmers’ Market expansion this year. In WA, all 14 branches of Coastal Community Bank held food drives for six weeks in November and December. They collected 3,565 pounds of food to support 11 food banks in their communities. Hundreds of families were served by this generous donation and enjoyed a holiday meal. Among other activities, Quantum National Bank in GA teamed up with a local Rotary and Kiwanis Club to collect almost 1,000 food and personal items for donations to North Gwinnett Co-op. These donations aided those in need during the holidays. With their efforts and donations, these CFIs made it clear that community members can rely on them to help when times are hard. We know that this continues throughout the year and we thank all CFIs for their important work in their communities.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
PCBB Celebrates 25 Years and Community Banking Month with $25,000 in Donations!
In celebration of 25 years of supporting community financial institutions, to celebrate Community Banking Month, and as a way to give back to your communities in gratitude, we invite you to submit a 501c(3) nonprofit organization into our drawing for the chance to receive one of ten $2,500 donations. Learn more and submit a nonprofit.
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