Independent Bank offices host successful statewide Michigan Harvest Gathering food drive
January 05, 2009
$7,200 in donations and 11,600 pounds of food collected for Michigan residents
Associates in Independent Bank offices throughout the state participated in a food drive to support the Food Bank Council of Michigan this fall. The food drive, which began on October 31 and ran through November 14, collected much needed food items for people served by food banks statewide.
The bank’s more than 100 offices served as collection sites, generating $6,200 in cash and 9,600 pounds of donated food items through contributions made by customers, members of the community and bank associates. During the food drive, Independent Bank partnered with the Michigan Bean Co-op to offer bags of Michigan-grown navy and black beans for sale in each banking office. Many customers chose to purchase bags for $4 and donate them directly to the food drive.
Pledging to donate 50 cents for every bag of Michigan Beans donated to the food drive by customers, Independent Bank provided a $1,000 donation and purchased an additional 2,000 bags of beans for the Food Bank Council. Because the Council operates through a network of regional food banks, the food items and cash donated will stay in each community to help local individuals and families.
“We are pleased that with the help of the Michigan Bean Co-op, we were able to support the needs of Michigan’s food banks,” said Kelly Wolgamott, assistant vice president of HPC marketing for Independent Bank. “We would like to thank our associates for their hard work and enthusiasm, as well as our customers and everyone who donated to the food drive.”
Elkton customers have requested that Independent Bank continue the food drive in that office throughout the winter months to help those in need in their community. In addition, associates in Caro, Elkton and Ubly will continue selling Michigan beans for a limited time in response to customer requests.
