PORTERVILLE – In a heartfelt gesture, Bank of the Sierra has “accounted” for the academic success of students in local communities – one backpack at a time.
During August and September, the bank stepped up to the plate and generously donated a total of 1,500 backpacks to 21 schools and youth organizations within the communities it serves. The backpacks were filled with essential school supplies such as notepads, pencils, calculators and other essential items, aimed at equipping students for success as they embarked on their new academic journey.
According to a press release from the financial institution, with this charitable act, Bank of the Sierra’s goal is “to help students, including those from potentially disadvantaged families, at the beginning of a new school year.”
Among the fortunate recipients of these thoughtful donations were schools and organizations across several counties, including Marshall and Orange Center Elementary Schools, Washington Academic Middle School in Fresno County, and Doyle, Jefferson, and Lincoln Elementary Schools in Tulare County.
Other recipients include schools located in Kern, Kings, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.
According to the press release, Bank of the Sierra recognized that the start of a new school year can be financially challenging for some families, particularly those facing economic hardship. To provide additional support, the bank went beyond backpacks and extended a lifeline by offering valuable financial literacy tips.
Furthermore, students and their families were invited to explore National Get Smart About Credit Day, set for Oct. 19 this year. This annual event, initiated by the American Bankers Association Foundation and observed every third Thursday in October, provides a crucial opportunity for teens and young adults to enhance their understanding of personal finance.
With these donations, Bank of the Sierra, in its 46th year of operations as the largest independent bank headquartered in the Southern South Joaquin Valley, aims to alleviate some financial burdens for students, allowing them to concentrate on their education. The bank remains steadfast in its commitment to making a positive impact within its communities and will actively seek out opportunities to continue supporting its neighbors in need.
Bank of the Sierra is proud to announce that during August and September, it donated a total of 1,500 backpacks to 21 schools and youth organizations throughout the communities it serves. The donated backpacks contained notepads, pencils, calculators, and other school supplies to help the students get ready for school.
The Bank’s goal is to help students, including those from potentially disadvantaged families, at the beginning of a new school year.
The following schools and organizations each received backpacks with school supplies:
- Fresno County: Marshall and Orange Center Elementary Schools and Washington Academic Middle School
- Kern County: Beardsley and Lakeside Elementary Schools
- Kings County: Lincoln Elementary School
- San Luis Obispo County: Nipomo and Oceano Elementary Schools
- Santa Barbara County: Lompoc High School
- Tulare County: Doyle, Jefferson, and Lincoln Elementary Schools
- Ventura County: Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme and Barbara Webster, Briggs, Glen City, Grace Thille, Mountain Vista, Piru, Rio Vista, and San Cayetano Elementary Schools
Bank of the Sierra recognized that many local students may need financial guidance at the start of a new school year, especially if their parents or guardians are facing economic hardship. To further assist these students, the Bank also provided a series of financial literacy tips and invited the students and their families to learn more about National Get Smart About Credit Day, which takes place on October 19 this year. This event was started by the American Bankers Association Foundation and occurs every third Thursday in October. It represents an opportunity for teens and young adults to learn more about personal finances.
Bank of the Sierra hopes students put the backpacks to good use and they have one less financial concern to worry about at the start of a new school year. The Bank will continue to look for opportunities to help people in its communities.
