By Kate Hill
Staff Writer
This year, more than 70 Community Bank N.A. branches are celebrating the holiday season by giving back to the communities they serve.
Each branch team selected causes based on the needs of the local community.
“Giving back to our communities during the holidays is our favorite tradition,” said Community Bank N.A. District Manager Barbara Houghton in a press release. “The true spirit of the holidays comes from helping those in need. Our branches will be bustling this December to help make a difference. We encourage everyone to get involved.”
The Cazenovia branch, located at 48 Albany St., partnered with the Greater Cazenovia Area Chamber of Commerce and CazCares food and clothing pantry to help serve local families in need.
According to Houghton, the branch was one of 14 chamber members to set up a Giving Tree to benefit the clients of CazCares.
From Nov. 1 through Dec. 6, Community Bank customers were encouraged to select a tag — labeled with a child’s name and a gift request — from the tree, purchase the listed item and drop it off at the branch or at another participating location. All donated items were delivered to CazCares for distribution to local families.
“The response from our generous community has been overwhelming,” said CazCares Board Member Casey Frazee. “This gift-giving initiative from the businesses has been yet another example of the kind and caring individuals in Cazenovia who recognize and work to address the needs of our neighbors. So many children in and around Cazenovia will have a very merry Christmas this year.”
The bank set up its first Giving Tree in 2018.
“Last year, we were asked [by CazCares to participate] . . .” Houghton said. “I had honestly never heard of this, and I absolutely loved the idea. Our whole team jumped right in and wanted to do this again this year . . . I met with [CazCares Client Services Director] GiGi Redmond and told her if she was OK [with it] I would like to make this bigger and include the Cazenovia chamber. I was so excited about the positive response I received from our chamber members. We live in such a wonderful community. I hope to make this an annual event with the chamber.”
The local Community Bank N.A. branch also collected non-perishable food items and gifts for CazCares in the weeks leading up to the Dec. 6 Christmas Walk.
To learn more about Community Bank N.A., visit cbna.com/locations/cazenovia. For more information on CazCares, visit cazcares.org/.
