Amidst the trials of 2020, Giving Tuesday is a day to focus on the GOOD. Often, we have expressed gratitude for healthcare workers, first responders, teachers, and ‘essential’ workers. Working quietly in the shadows are our non-profit organizations. Staff and volunteers, working tirelessly to meet growing needs on tighter budgets.
Alliance Bank used Giving Tuesday as an opportunity to share the story of four local non-profit organizations…and surprise them each with a $5,000 donation. Dan Fry, Director of the Boys and Girls Club of White County, was one of the recipients. “This gift is not only amazing because it is unrestricted; it is amazing because it sparks others to give,” Fry shared. “We can promote this gift to highlight our needs and to show others that every contribution, big or small, is important and makes a difference.”
A video released on social media highlights the work of the four non-profits and shows their surprise when each received the $5,000 donation. Chief Lending Officer Jonathan Elkins visited these four organizations:
- Chris Sheetz of Benton Community Food & Service Co-op;
- Barb Lucas and Marcia Smith-Wood of Prairie Arts Council’s Rensselaer Alternative High School Art Program;
- Jacki Frain from Pulaski County Human Services; and
- Dan Fry from Boys and Girls Club of White County.
GROWING NEEDS
“Since the pandemic started the Co-Op has seen a tremendous increase in the numbers we are serving,” shared Chris Sheetz. “Many families that have not visited the Co-Op before the pandemic have come to us with the worry of coping with their children home during the day and having enough food in their home. Others have been laid off from their job. We went from serving 1,500 individuals a year to over 7,000, just since March when the pandemic hit Benton County.”
Alliance Bank is a locally owned community bank, committed to supporting non-profit organizations. The Bank has ramped up giving in the wake of COVID and expects to give nearly $80,000 in donations by the close of 2020.
PHOTOS FROM GIIVING TUESDAY
Alliance Bank Employees Laura Myers and Holly Galbreath present a donation of $5,000 to Dan Fry, Director of the Boys and Girls Club of White County. The Club provides essential after-school care for over 200 White County youth.
Alliance Bank presented a $5,000 donation to Prairie Arts Council for their program in the Rensselaer Alternative High School on Giving Tuesday. Pictured (l to r): Barb Lucas, Alliance Bank employees Crystal Bailey and Julie Evers, and Marcia Smith-Wood.
Benton Community Food and Service Co-op representatives accept a $5,000 donation from Alliance Bank at their facility on the Oxford Town Square. Pictured (l to r): Cenia Snedeker, Sally Stacey, Judy Platt, Alliance Office Managers Suzanne Muller and Taylor Luttrell, and Co-op Director Chris Sheetz.
Jacki Frain (far right) accepts a donation of $5,000 for Pulaksi County Human Services from Alliance Bank employees Ron Kruger and Kelsie Zellers. Their organization provides a variety of services, including: elderly transportation, Head Start, and a food pantry.
