This marks the 22nd year Farmers Bank and Trust has set up twinkling Christmas trees in their Great Bend bank locations in an effort to help give needy children in the community a brighter holiday.
The bank’s annual Light Up a Child’s Life program has benefited local kids, said Karesa Harrison, bank vice president and project organizers. “For many kids in our community, receiving a Christmas gift is a wish come true.”
She said the basic process has remained the same over the years. One can stop by either Farmers Bank and Trust location (1612 Main St. and at 10th and Harrison) before Dec. 13.
The names of the youngsters are obtained local agencies and schools. This year, there are 400 names on the bank’s “giving trees.”
There will be information about the various children enrolled in the program this year at both banks. Participants can either donate funds, so the bank staff can shop for the children, or they can choose a child from the tree and purchase items themselves.
The campaign started modestly and quickly grew into a major local effort, Harrison said. “The community has generously provided a brighter Christmas to hundreds of local children.”
Light Up a Child’s Life Christmas started with the names of a few less fortunate families and children. “It has become a tradition for many families that adopt children.”
She said it’s been a great program to help with over the years. “What a wonderful program that demonstrates the generosity of the residents, organizations and businesses of Great Bend and Barton County.”
Harrison said she wants to thank all the volunteers who, over the years, have shown up to wrap and deliver the donations, too. She said throughout much of the time, the local Pilot Club has been especially active in that effort.
For more information, call Farmers, 620-792-2411, or stop by either location.