Lansing and Battle Creek offices sponsor food drive
March 15, 2007
EAST LANSING, Mich. – Independent Bank offices throughout the Battle Creek and Greater Lansing areas have joined forces to collect canned food for food banks within their communities.
According to the Hunger in America 2006 report more than 1 million Michiganians use the resources of a food bank annually. Of that group, 70 percent have income below the poverty level. While awareness of the need for food increases during holiday giving, the need for food assistance continues throughout the year.
“Each year, I am impressed with the compassion demonstrated by our customers and associates,” said Ed Swanson, president and CEO of Independent Bank South Michigan. “A food drive, at this time of the year, will help raise awareness of the ongoing need for food in each of our communities.”
The promotion coincides with the launch of Independent Bank’s new checking account gift program. For new checking accounts opened from March 16 through April 26, customers will receive a Pyrex® Portable casserole dish with a convenient carryall for transportation.
“The response to our holiday food drives was overwhelming,” remarked Kelly Wolgamott, assistant vice president of marketing for IBSM. “When we were considering activities for second quarter, a food drive seemed to be the perfect tie-in for our Totally Free Checking promotion.”
Facts about the population served by the Food Bank Council of Michigan:
- At least 40 percent of the households have an employed adult
- Approximately one third of the households have one member under age 18
- Nearly half (44 percent) of the households had to choose between paying for food and paying their rent or mortgage
- 34 percent of the households had to choose between paying for food and paying for utilities or heating fuel
- Only 13 percent are homeless
Canned goods will be collected at Independent Bank locations throughout southern Michigan from March 16 through April 26. A list of participating offices and the agency benefiting from their collection can be viewed in PDF form here.
About Independent Bank Independent Bank Corporation (NASDAQ: IBCP), is an Ionia, Mich.-based bank holding company with total assets of more than $3.4 billion. Founded as First National Bank of Ionia in 1864, Independent Bank now operates 115 offices across Michigan’s Lower Peninsula providing a full range of financial services including retail and commercial banking, mortgage lending, investments and title services. Financing for extended automobile warranties are also available through Mepco Finance Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Independent Bank Corporation. Independent Bank Corporation is committed to providing exceptional personal service and value to its customers, its stockholders and the communities it serves.
