Independence Bank celebrates Day of Giving with local businesses
Originally published by Emily Sheppard, Mayfield Messenger
On the morning of Giving Tuesday, Independence Bank hosted its Day of Good where they gave to local nonprofits and organizations.
Independence Bank has given over $1 million through local boards, and donations in scholarships to the communities. A portion of the money given from Independence Bank was raised by bank functions, including the 4th annual Tractor Drive that took place this summer and the Runnin’ Scared 5K.
Independence Bank gave a total of $12,400* to nine organizations.
Independence Bank partnered with Purchase Area Seniors through Purchase Area Development District to assist with their Silver Bells program. A program to buy Christmas gifts for any person in need living in nursing homes. The bank will be able to assist 40 people this year, which is roughly the value of $1,000. The Silver Bells program is available for seniors without family.
The Mayfield-Graves County YMCA received $1,000 to assist in its programs. The YMCA had over 1,000 member units, wellness programs, senior programs, kids programs, early childhood programs, and financial literacy programs.
Al Chandler, Nathanael Sheridan and Isabelle Ruggles accepted the check for Northside Christian School which received $500.
Chandler, pastor of Northside Baptist Church said, “Northside is one of the great schools in the community. This is helping out with the operation of Christmas child boxes that many of our groups support. They go out and do a lot of community service.”
Independence Bank then recognized Mayfield Graves County Parks Department and Mayfield Fairgrounds. Towery said, “This group has probably done more behind the scenes and had more impact in the last 12 months…this group did some yeoman’s work last year around this time.”
The parks department and fairgrounds had requested $800 to buy an inflatable projection screen and projector to have more events and to help the community recover.
Mayor Kathy O’Nan, Kristen King, and Deandra Delk accepted the donation. Delk said, “I’m really grateful, I’m grateful to this community. I’m grateful to Independence Bank, and I’m grateful that we’ve been given this opportunity to take hold of those fairgrounds and do something fantastic with it.”
Moses Basket through the Graves County Chapter, assists foster children with clothes, food, and toys. Emmy West accepted the award on behalf of the Moses Basket for $1000
The Community Christmas Store benefits both Family Resource Centers, Mayfield Schools and Grave County Schools. In 2021, the Christmas Store benefitted 501 students and 211 families. This year they project to benefit 409 students and 119 families. The kids have to earn points to shop for anything in the store. Family Resource Center received $1000.
The Revolution Square Employee Trade School was awarded a scholarship of $2000.
“Several years ago, my staff came to me saying, ‘we’re not giving enough to trade schools,’ we were missing kids who might want to be a welder, lineman, or be a tractor diesel mechanic,” Towery said.
Lindsay Shankle, a representative of Independence Bank, said, “It’s great that we can help the students who don’t ever get acknowledged. To help them better themselves and get a good career in trade school.”
The Kiwanis Club was selected for assistance on Kiwanis Park. The club was awarded $1000. The park regularly holds soccer games on Sundays which have 16 teams with over 250 players and their families, some traveling from out of state.
John Poole, president-elect, said “We’re very appreciative. Kiwanis Club in conjunction with the city maintains the [Kiwanis] park. And we’re using this money to redo the concession stand and the restrooms. It’s a real benefit to us.”
Sheriff Jon Hayden accepted a donation for the Graves County Sheriff Department for $4000 to assist with the 2022 Shop with the Deputy program.
The Graves County Sheriff Department Shop with the Deputy program usually helps 20-30 children in the community. This Christmas, the kids will receive a $100 to $200 gift card. The Pryorsburg Baptist church prepares breakfast along with a morning event, then the deputy and the children go Christmas shopping.
Independence Bank has a tractor drive the last Saturday of every July. The bank takes the proceeds and donates to the Graves Co Sheriff Dept. Shop with the Deputy program.
“In summary, we support our community. We’re here for good,” Towery said. “Our group, as you can see, participates in every organization we support. As we go forward, we are more than excited to entertain other organizations that need assistance and try to help our community.”
*amount updated from $8,000 to $12,400