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What does the phrasing you always hear like ‘give back’ and ‘donate to those in need’ really mean and where do you start? Let’s take a deeper look into the benefits of supporting local and second, how First National Bank of Oklahoma supports organizations in Kay and Oklahoma County.
Contributing to your community doesn’t always mean just donating funds. There are various ways to contribute on a personal level such as community involvement, volunteer work and collaborating with other individuals and businesses on goals and tasks. Finding organizations you are passionate about and targeting their main needs can be extremely rewarding.
Benefits to Giving Back:
- Gain a sense of purpose
- Broaden your network
- Create stronger bonds with community members
- Make an impact on the lives of others
Simple ways to Give Back:
- Donate your used items to non profits, animal shelters etc.
- Donate your time volunteering
- Give to or host a food drive
Organizations to Give Back:
First National Bank of Oklahoma takes pride in supporting local, whether that be schools, non profit organizations, employees serving on local boards and much more. Not only do we think it’s our responsibility, we believe it’s our biggest opportunity to directly impact the lives of others in our communities we serve. Take a look below at 6 of the organizations First National Bank of Oklahoma supports across Kay and Oklahoma county.
Kay County:
Tonkawa Development Authority – https://tonkawaok.gov/development-authority/
Our First National Bank of Oklahoma-Tonkawa Branch is nestled comfortably right in the middle of Downtown Tonkawa on Grand. As our first branch was here, it’s only expected that we make it a point to see this community succeed and thrive. We provide monthly support to fund a part-time consultant for TDA and of our employees also provides leadership through a trustee position on the TDA Board of Trustees. TDA serves by encouraging the growth and development of the Tonkawa community and makes every attempt to assist entrepreneurs and business owners succeed.
Marland Children’s Home (Marland’s Place) – https://www.marlandsplace.com
Running since 1928, Marland’s Place is the local foster agency in Kay County. The 100 acres of land Marland’s Place is on was donated by oilman and past Governor of Oklahoma, E.W. Marland. “Money was donated to build dorms to help house children of veterans who lost their lives in WWI and also served as a temporary home for children whose parents were fighting in the wars. Over time it changed its mission to include children in DHS custody, but the focus has always remained to improve the lives of children”, Marland’s website states. First National Bank of Oklahoma are regular and proud supporters of their events, including their widely attended “Family Fun Day”, and one of our employees has been a member of their Board for 9 years.
The Opportunity Center – https://www.opcenterok.org
The Opportunity Center was created in 1960 aimed to assist the developmentally disabled in Kay County area. Their mission has been “promote independence” and “enrich lives” of disabled and guide them to grow into their full potential as adults. In 1983, OPC added residential programs and greater vocational programs. The OPC also includes many businesses the clients work and assist at.
- Whimsy- A gift shop that sells hand made crafts made by OPC clients
- Village Screenprint – Custom design printing on shirts, bags, hats and more.
First National Bank of Oklahoma provides annual funding to support The OPC, largely through the Cherokee Strip Golf Classic event. CSGC is the longest running Pro-Am golf tournament in the United States and attracts attendees from all over.
Oklahoma County:
Christo Rey High School – https://www.cristoreyokc.org
Christo Rey is a local Catholic High School in OKC that educates students of limited economic resources how to become men and women of faith, knowledge, purpose and service. First National Bank of Oklahoma supports the school with financial support as well as provides internship opportunities for their hallmark “Corporate Work Study Program”. This program provides students with real world work opportunities to help develop professional skills while still in High School.
Western Avenue Association – https://www.visitwesternavenue.com/about
Western Avenue Association was created in 2001 by a group of restaurateurs to clean up and promote their local retail corridor. Over time, many other businesses joined the group to help brand the area as a shopping, dining and entertainment district. In 2007, Western Avenue District established a business improvement district, which was supported by First National Bank of Oklahoma and other businesses with frontage on Western Avenue. This goal was to create a self-taxed district to provide revenue for beautification efforts, security services and enhanced marketing to support all businesses in the corridor. We proudly support WAA as many bank customers operate business in this area.
NewView Oklahoma – https://nvoklahoma.org/
Since 1949, NewView Oklahoma has served as a life-changing source of hope and empowerment for those in Oklahoma living with blindness and low vision. NewView Oklahoma provides a variety of services to help blind or low-vision individuals with skills needed to live an independent and empowered life. First National Bank of Oklahoma provides NewView with financial support and our Executive Chairman serves as the Board Chair. We are proud to support this local organization doing great things for those in need.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are various ways to give back to your community and organizations near and far. First National Bank of Oklahoma makes tasks like these a priority as we are passionate about assisting those in need and growing our communities. If you are passionate about making an impact but aren’t sure where to start, you can always contact your local chamber or city office, or take some of the tips in this blog to help kickstart your ‘care campaign’!