Local organizations and events in need of financial support can usually rely on a household name.
Over the past year, Watertown Savings Bank has been the benefactor of the following (please forgive us if we have missed anything):
not Jefferson County Local Food Guide
not Henderson Harbor Sprint Triathlon
not Car-Freshner/FX Caprara Summer Concert Series
not Disability Action Organization
not Volunteer Transportation Center St. Lawrence County Golf Tournament
not Shootin’ Trap for Travel
not Sackets Harbor Central School District Backpack Program
not Jefferson County Hospice
not Northern New York Community Foundation Youth Philanthropy Council
It’s a very impressive list. The bank recently increased that number by donating $32,000 to United Way of Northern New York for the success of its Asset-Limited, Income Constrained, Employed program.
“UWNNY has been able to help more than 200 individuals and families since the program’s inception in January 2021 by partnering with nearly every central school district in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties. Through this program, United Way has been able to help struggling families while living paycheck to paycheck,” according to a news article published Monday in the Watertown Daily Times. “The donated funds will be used for emergency medical expenses, vehicle repairs to keep people employed, heating assistance during the cold months, eyewear and essential clothing for children, as well as the provision of subsidies. community impact to most needed services within northern nonprofits. country.”
Based in Watertown, United Way is “focused on creating success in each individual community in the North Country,” according to information on its website. The organization has highlighted the importance of the work it does.
“Since launching our ALICE program, I have seen how many families truly suffer when unexpected financial hardships arise,” United Way Director of Development Natasha Gamble said in a statement. “Unfortunately, it is the employees [who] work hard but don’t earn enough on their paychecks to make ends meet. Our ALICE program at UWNNY truly benefits the community by illustrating and enhancing resources throughout Upstate New York.
Founded in 1893, the Watertown Savings Bank has greatly benefited the customers it serves throughout the North Country. In return, Chairman and CEO Mark Lavarnway along with the bank’s Board of Directors, management team and staff have pledged to give back to local residents.
Like the organizations it supports, Watertown Savings Bank understands its obligation to do all it can to strengthen local communities. It has proven to be a leader in this regard, and the bank is setting an excellent example for others to follow.
We commend everyone at Watertown Savings Bank for making life better here in Upstate New York by contributing their talents and resources. The company’s recent donation to the United Way is a sign of the incredible spirit of philanthropy in the north of the country, a spirit that serves us all well.
