By: Thomas J. Shara
According to the Center on Wealth and Philanthropy’s
new report, there was a 4.9% decrease in charitable donations in 2009. The report cites an unstable economy as the reason people have given less due to anxieties about their families’ future financial stability, and the same can be said for businesses.
Luckily, Lakeland Bank is fortunate enough to continue supporting community organizations that help those in need. And, when we can, we like to have a little fun in the process.
Lakeland Bank’s staff particularly enjoys a monthly event,
Jeans for Friday, where they can donate $10 for the opportunity to skip business attire and wear jeans to work.
This program has recently generated over $5,500 that went to
The Karen Ann Quinlan Memorial Foundation, Saint Barnabas Hospice and Palliative Care Center, and the
New Jersey chapter of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America. The bank will continue this monthly program for the remainder of the year in which employees will have a chance to donate to numerous charitable organizations.
Last year our employees donated 15,030 hours of their time — the equivalent of 1.7 years of nonstop work — to community services and while many businesses are cutting back on corporate contributions, Lakeland Bank remains committed thanks to the generosity of our wonderful staff. Our philosophy is to continue to be an integral part of the communities we serve.
Photo caption: Pictured (l to r): JoAnn Papa, Human Resources Assistant; Kathy Picun, Human Resources Assistant; Jennifer Hixson, Junior Accountant; Betty Frint, Assistant Treasurer/Accountant; and Karen Stevens, Assistant Vice President/Accountant.