With economic times being tough for many families this year, Monarch Community Bank has teamed up again with Toys for Tots and the Marine Corps League for all of their branches to be drop off locations for new, unwrapped toys.

Each branch in Coldwater, Union City, Marshall and Hillsdale have boxes set-up in their lobbies to put the toys in.  The boxes will be delivered to local charities within the counties towards the middle of December.  “Toys for Tots serves a wonderful purpose during the holidays, and we’re excited to team up with the Marines again them to help them provide for our kids and the communities we serve,” said Rick DeVries, President/CEO of Monarch Community Bank.

The US Marine Corps League Toys for Tots program began in 1947 and over the years they have collected and distributed over 386 million toys.  In the past 10 years the Marines have helped collect and distribute approximately 15 million toys each year to children.  The Toys for Tots campaign begins in October and ends just before Christmas.

Union City Staff with their Toys for Tots Box

Recently, Monarch Community Bank stepped up to make a donation to the fund.  $100 was given by the bank for Foundation coordinators to team up with local merchants to take families shopping for the clothing they need to stay warm.  “We’re a community bank, dedicated to the community we live and work in.  We hope by making this donation we will provide local families with the necessary items for the cold Michigan winter,” said Jill Parsons, Branch Manager.

Pictured is Vicki Morris, Residential Lender at Monarch Community Bank with Susan Stout of the Hillsdale County Community Foundation and Jill Parsons, Hillsdale Branch Manager at Monarch.

In the past year, Monarch Community Bank has donated almost $30,000 back to its community to improve growth, increase participation and help raise awareness of various organizations.  For more information about making a donation to the Warm the Children Fund through the Hillsdale County Community Foundation, please call 439-5101.

Monarch employees were at the links on Friday helping to support the Branch County United Way.  Thanks to all of the teams and local community members for supporting this ever important organization!

Rzepka, Fox and Commercial Lender Chuck Mulka getting ready to tee off at the Bronson Golf Course.

Tricia Rzepka, Community Business Development Officer putts into the 3x larger hole for the outing. Tim Fox, Residential Lender helps with the flag.

It was a joy to be able to attend and support the Mrs. Stock’s Park Summer Music Series.  Last night a group from Monarch went to the Victor Trachsel concert and handed out free popcorn to the crowd.  Throughout the evening donations were also accepted in exchange for popcorn for the Greater Humane Society of Hillsdale and $55 was collected during the hour concert.

Thanks to the Hillsdale community for supporting the arts and coming out to support local musicians!

Jill and Jennifer are working hard behind the popcorn machine!

A great crowd showed up to enjoy the entertainment.

Ed Swanson of the Stock's Park Committee accepts a check from the Hillsdale Staff for the concert sponsorship.

Today, Monarch Community Bank employees (and helpers) went to Aldi’s and picked up hundreds of pounds of food from money that was donated by Monarch employees.  On Monday, United Way will come and pick up the food, as the Food Stock Challenge is over, do you think Monarch will win the challenge and have the most food per employee donated to the local food pantry?

Monarch Community Bank’s Kim Furton (left) and Kirk Schwarz are shown handing Oaklawn Hospital’s Theresa Chaney-Huggett, Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator as well as Hospitality Classic Race Director, a hefty size check to assist the hospital in underwriting a portion of the race management.  The 28th running of the Classic takes place May 15th and includes four events: a 10K and 5K run, plus a 5K walk and one mile Fun-Run.  ”The Hospitality Classic has become a fun springtime tradition in Marshall,” said Chaney-Huggett, “that attracts over a thousand runners and spectators each year.  Monarch has always been a great friend to the Classic, donating the use of their grounds plus several volunteers to assist with registration.  We’re particularly grateful for this contribution to help with some of our race expenses.”  Interested participants may pick up a registration form at the hospital (call 269.789.8134) or print out a form by going to www.oaklawnhospital.org and clicking on the “Hosp.Classic” tab in top right corner of the home page.  One can also sign up on line by going to www.classicrace.com.

Pictured is Judy Krzmenski, Branch County United Way Executive Director (left) accepting a check that will also help support the Hillsdale and Marshall campaign’s, from President and CEO of Monarch Community Bank, Don Denney (right) and employees Vicki Bassage, Martha Frohm, and Denise Maurer.

Monarch Community Bank employees in Marshall, Hillsdale, and Coldwater have joined together to help out the local United Ways.  Employees arranged payroll deductions for their donations while the bank offered to contribute an additional 25% match.  Between the bank employees and the corporate match a total of $7,200 was donated to the local United Ways.

United Way assists communities throughout the world with a focus and overall theme of helping children succeed, promoting self-sufficiency, and building vital and safe neighborhoods.  Monarch Community Bank is dedicated to the needs of the community and looks forward to providing Coldwater, Marshall and Hillsdale with additional support to improve services and enhance the community.

In 2009, the Hillsdale Branch was happy to support the Salvation Army and in 2010 they will be supporting the St. Peter’s Free Health Clinic through the Casual for a Cause fund.  See yesterday’s post for more information about Casual for a Cause.  More posts soon on what organizations the other branches chose to support this year through the Casual for a Cause fund.