FirstBank Southwest is kicking off its 20th year of sponsoring a community project geared toward children during the Christmas holidays.
This year, the bank will again sponsor its “Coats and Shoes for Kids” drive, which began in 2001.
But this year, because of winter’s early chill, the program aims to deliver coats as soon as they can. Instead of waiting for mid- to late-December, plans are to deliver before Thanksgiving, though donations will still be accepted at the bank through Dec. 18.
The project provides basic warm coats and school shoes for needy children in the Perryton elementary and middle schools.
“We collect funds year round,” said Steph Tarvin, vice president and personal banking manager at FBSW. “And we will still push for funds through December. We begin purchasing for next year as soon as we deliver this year. And there are always situations that require us to provide coats after delivery. When the school calls with a need, we fulfill that need at that time.”
Last year, private donations provided around 109 coats and 65 pairs of shoes for children. Nurses report there is always a need for shoes, since students need shoes throughout the year.
Anyone who would like to help support the project can make a donation, in any amount, at FirstBank teller windows in the lobby or drive-up bank. Coats are purchased by bank employees, and shoes are purchased by school staff, who have identified children without proper outerwear or safe shoes.
“No school money or taxpayer funds are used in this project,” said Tarvin. “Your donations will be of great help in providing warm coats and school shoes.”
For more information, contact Tarvin, Betsy Sena, or Judy Hernandez at FBSW.