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Sunflower Bank donates $7,928 to schools, students
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Courtesy photo Ellinwood Grade School Principal Suzann Bouray, left, and Sunflower Bank Senior Branch Manager Becca Maxwell are shown in front of the bank with a check for Ellinwood USD 355.
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Courtesy photo Sunflower Bank Branch Manager Kathy Hertel is shown with St. Joseph School Lead Teacher Marlene Clayton.

Sunflower Bank recently gave a total of $117,835 to schools and students through donations from its ABC Program, including $7,928 given locally in Ellinwood and Great Bend. Since Sunflower Bank originated the program in 2001, it has contributed over $1.4 million to support kindergarten through 12th grade education in Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico and Texas. The donations distributed were generated from September 2019 through August 2020.

“We are thrilled with the outcome of this year’s ABC Program that provides educational resources that are needed now more than ever. Our communities have embraced the year-round nature of the program, resulting in our donation of $117,835 back to our schools,” said Mollie Carter, Sunflower Bank chairman. “This year’s enhancements to the ABC Program are just one example of the innovative solutions we bring to our Sunflower Bank and First National 1870 customers every day.”

The ABC Program is funded in part based on customer debit card transactions and new accounts opened. Sunflower Bank and First National 1870 customers have the opportunity to select an ABC Program-registered school to support with each qualifying debit card purchase during the campaign. The standard school donation per transaction is 2 cents. Throughout the year there are advertised special time periods during which schools are paid 4 cents per transaction and $50 for qualifying newly opened accounts.

In addition, from Feb. 15 through March 31, all branch locations accepted kindergarten through 12th grade students’ report cards for the “Pay for ‘A’s” contest. Five contest winners per branch were chosen to receive $10 for every A grade, up to a total of $100 per student. Participating schools received a matching donation if one of their students’ report cards were chosen. 

Local branch associates are currently registering schools to participate in the ABC Program’s next donation cycle. Public, private and charter schools, as well as parent teacher organizations, in communities with Sunflower Bank or First National 1870 branches are eligible to receive ABC Program support. Schools can use the funds as they choose for any programs or supplies. To learn more about the ABC Program, speak to your local branch, or visit SunflowerBank.com/abc or FirstNational1870.com/abc.