By Amanda Estala, Marketing Director/AVP

This year has been a challenging year for many people. From the COVID-19 pandemic to wildfires in the Western states, hurricanes in the Gulf and along the east coast, and the ice storm in central and western Oklahoma, there are many in our communities dealing with unemployment, loss of loved ones, damage to property and other challenges.

The holiday season is always a time of togetherness and giving back, but that feels even more important than usual this year when so many are struggling. At First National Bank & Trust, there are several ways we give back to our communities during the holiday season.

The Angel Tree program is a cause near to our hearts at FNB, as it provides holiday gifts for children and senior citizens in need. Each holiday season, participating companies set up a tree adorned with Christmas wish list tags for individuals and families in the area. People who want to give back through this program take a tag, purchase the items and return them to the participating location.

In addition to having a tree in our lobby for both employees and customers to select a tag from, our Shawnee branch has hosted the Angel Tree kickoff event the past two years. Other participating businesses in our area come to our main branch to pick up their packet of information and tags, so it’s a great way to help out and meet other business and community leaders.

Annette Stuckey, CFO of First National Bank, enjoys crocheting in her free time. This year, she has the goal to ensure that every one of our Angel Tree children receives a warm winter hat through a group she formed called Heart4Hats. This year, their goal is to collect 850 hats that have been knitted or crocheted by members of the community to be distributed with Angel Tree gifts to four different counties in Oklahoma.

Many of us know the familiar sound of the Salvation Army bell ringers each holiday season, whether they’re greeting you outside the post office, pharmacy or somewhere else around town. And perhaps you’ve dropped some extra change or a few extra bills in that bright red bucket to help those in need. Employees all take shifts as a bell ringer to help spread Christmas cheer and raise funds to support those in need in our community.

Many of our employees, and even more of our customers, are also involved in local community groups like the Lions Club, Kiwanis and Rotary Club. Others find ways to give back through specific nonprofits or through their church communities.

How are you giving back this holiday season?

We encourage our fellow businesses and any individuals who are able to seek out new opportunities to give back during this challenging year. Whether you sign up as a bell ringer, adopt a family through the Angel Tree program or simply spread cheer through a random act of kindness in your community, we thank you for taking the time to make this holiday season extra special.

For information regarding First National Bank & Trust and our many locations throughout Oklahoma, please visit fnbokla.bank.