Banking That Puts Community First, By Giving Back

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We have always been a bank that puts community first.  One of the ways we strive to do that is give back to those in our community who need our support.

For October, our charities of the month were The Back Pack Program, which provides food to families through one of our school districts, as well as Meals on Wheels.  Each of our branches collected donations to help these worthy causes provide food for those in our community who are food vulnerable.

As we head into November and get closer to the beloved Holiday season, our thoughts naturally turn to giving.  It is a special time for us at WVFSL because as much as we love to give back year round, this time of year the need is great and the impact giving can make is immediate.

During the holidays, it really is better to give than receive
There has been study after study that backs up this somewhat cliché statement.  According to one from The UnitedHealth Group, people reported that after they volunteered they felt physically healthier (76% of those surveyed), felt less stressed (78% of those surveyed) and were in a better mood (94% of those surveyed).

This month to do our part to spread holiday cheer, we are giving back to a few different charities.  We would love to share a bit about each one of them:

  • Love Hold’s Life – Is a local not-for-profit that benefits children who are battling cancer and their families.  One of the things we love about this charity is that 100% of your donation goes into the family medical fund!
  • Operation Dalmatian – Is the WVFSL charity of the month for November.  Operation Dalmatian is a local program that provides Christmas gifts to families who cannot afford to provide presents for their children.  What started as an organization that provides gifts to 50 children each year has grown to provide over 400 gifts per year.  The Walden Fire House hosts a gift wrapping and sorting event and after the gifts are labeled, the members of the fire department help Santa delivery the gifts via fire truck.
  • Wallkill Paper Chain – This wonderful not-for-profit was started by a teacher in the Wallkill School District.  If you visit the WVFSL Wallkill Branch you will see a paper chain along the teller line.  Each paper child in the chain represents a boy or girl who is in need of a Christmas gift.  WVFSL customers, employees and people in the community are encouraged to come into the bank, select a child in the chain and purchase items listed on the chain for them as gifts.  Ages of the children range from infants to teens.

Feeling inspired?  We invite you to participate and do a little giving back of your own.  Visit one of our branches and speak to one of the tellers or a branch managers about the ways you can give back to one of the local organizations listed above.  We hope the spirit of the season inspires you to do a little giving back of your own and leaves you feeling less stressed!