By: Robert A. Vandenbergh
From the day Lakeland Bank first opened its doors, we have had a strong tradition of philanthropy. It’s truly amazing what Lakeland Bank’s employees and customers have done over the years to support our local communities. In 2010, we continued our tradition of giving back in many ways, and here are a few that I would like to bring attention to:
- Lakeland Bank employees volunteered 16,000 service hours supporting nonprofit organizations in their neighborhoods including schools and youth athletic leagues. They also volunteered for first aid squads and fire departments and were members of Rotary Clubs, Knights of Columbus and hospital foundations. The service our employees give helps foster strong, vibrant and healthy communities.
- Through the company’s Jeans Day Program, our employees personally donated $25,000 to the following charities: Meals on Wheels, the American Heart Association, SCARC, the Arc of NJ, Autism Speaks, the American Cancer Society, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, NJ Hospice, Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, JDRF and the American Lung Association.
- With help from our customers and employees, Lakeland Bank donated goods to local food pantries and contributed more than 1,600 gifts for those in need during the holiday season.
- Education is a primary focus at Lakeland Bank, and in 2010 we helped raise over $75,000 for scholarships at the 38th Annual Lakeland Bank Scholarship Golf Outing plus donated $37,000 to five different New Jersey college foundations. We also visited with more than 2,000 elementary students from 34 schools on Teach Children to Save Day.
- Quality of life initiatives are also important at Lakeland Bank. This year we committed $50,000 to help fund the construction of a new community center for SCARC. We raised more than $40,000 at the 29th Annual Golf Classic to support 18 Sussex County charities, donated $2,500 to Paterson Habitat for Humanity, and participated in programs such as Senior Crimestoppers, where we provided personalized lock boxes for veterans in state nursing homes.
I am proud of the charitable projects our company, employees and customers support, and look forward to working together to help our communities in the future. You can see a complete list of Lakeland Bank’s community service activities
here. Be sure to stay tuned as we post information on our
Facebook Page about how you can participate along with our employees and customers in 2011.
Drew TerWaarbeek, assistant vice president and branch manager of Lakeland Bank’s Montville office, teaches Mr. Nick Scotten’s class at The Trinity Christian School, also of Montville, about the value of saving money.