CAZENOVIA — Recently, Community Bank, N.A. named its Cazenovia office as a winner of its annual Branch Community Award, which recognizes one branch in each region for its unparalleled service to the local community.

The Cazenovia office was selected from more than 40 branches in the Central Region.

“Giving back to the communities we live and work in is what I feel sets us apart in this community,” said Community Bank District Manager Barbara Houghton. “This is the first time the Cazenovia office has been chosen for this award. As an employee, this is a such a great honor . . .”

According to Houghton, the Cazenovia staff decided to use its award to fund a $1,000 donation to Community Resources for Independent Seniors (CRIS), a local nonprofit that serves individuals 55 and older in the Cazenovia, Nelson and Fenner areas.

The CRIS mission is to develop and coordinate supportive services that help seniors to preserve their independence, remain active and engaged in the community, and live safely and comfortably in their homes for as long as possible.

Houghton presented the donation check to CRIS Executive Director Karisha Solomon and the organization’s board of directors on March 9.

“I know that, as a small organization, [CRIS can get] overlooked,” said Houghton. “In times like this, our donation can really help the people that need it the most, which makes us all very proud to have chosen them.”

According to Solomon, the funds will help CRIS to continue offering supportive services and engaging opportunities for seniors.

Throughout March and April, CRIS will be providing nursing homes and health care workers with Girl Scout cookies, cards, and crafts.

“CRIS prides itself on continuing to reach out to our community members who may be experiencing isolation [and] depression, and to the professionals who help our seniors,” said Solomon.

She added that the organization also has programs planned for this summer and continues to offer its medical transportation program and the Bernie Bus to the Oneida Walmart.

Community members interested in becoming volunteer drivers or volunteering to help with the cookie and card baskets, card stamping, and/or book deliveries should contact volunteer coordinator Allisyn Roszel at [email protected] to be added to the monthly volunteer requests and offers email.

To stay up to date on CRIS events and activities, sign up for the monthly newsletter at cris-caz.com.