Country Bank Recognizes Top Community Contributor with 2023 Community Champion Award

country Bank Honors Employee For Exceptional Volunteerism

Ware, MA – Country Bank Recently announced Sarah Yurkunas, an assistant Vice President and Commercial Lender, as the recipient of the inaugural PFS Community Champion Award. This new honor acknowledges individuals demonstrating significant commitment to voluntary public service through both bank-supported projects and individual initiatives.

Recognizing Unwavering Dedication

Yurkunas received the nomination from a coworker, citing her remarkable volunteer efforts and deep compassion for Second Chance Animal Services. As 2018, she has selflessly devoted over 347 hours to the animal shelter, consistently arriving every Sunday, nonetheless of weather, to maintain kennels and provide care and companionship to animals in need. Furthermore, she has generously shared over 70 hours volunteering at Community events sponsored by Country Bank since 2023.

A legacy of Giving

As part of the award, and in tribute to Country Bank’s retired President and CEO, Paul Scully, Yurkunas designated a $2,000 donation to a charity of her choosing.She selected Second Chance Animal Services, amplifying her ongoing support for the organization.

“Sarah perfectly exemplifies the values this award is designed to celebrate,” stated Jodie Gerulaitis, First Vice President of Community Relations at country Bank. “Her unwavering commitment to animals, coupled with her energetic participation in Bank events, underscores her generosity and dedication to positive change. We are delighted to recognize her as our first Community Champion, and we anticipate honoring many more employees in the years to come.”

A new Tradition

Yurkunas’s inclusion in the PFS Community Champions Hall of Fame marks the launch of a new annual tradition at Country Bank. Each year, employees will be invited to nominate colleagues who personify the bank’s core values: integrity, service, teamwork, excellence and prosperity.

“I am incredibly thankful for this recognition from Country Bank and my colleagues,” Yurkunas expressed. “I am proud to work for an organization so deeply committed to the community, both through financial contributions and by empowering its team members to support local nonprofits through volunteering.It is indeed a privilege to direct this award’s donation to Second Chance Animal Services, an organization that holds a special place in my heart.”

Key Fact	Details
Award Name	PFS Community Champion Award
Recipient	Sarah Yurkunas
Organization	Country Bank
Charity Supported	Second Chance Animal Services
Volunteer Hours (2018-Present)	347+ hours at the shelter, 70+ hours at bank events

Did You Know? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 60.7 million Americans volunteered through organizations in 2022.

The Growing Importance of Corporate Volunteerism

Corporate volunteer programs, like the one at Country Bank, are becoming increasingly prevalent. A recent study by Deloitte found that 89% of employees believe companies that sponsor volunteer activities provide a more positive work environment. This trend demonstrates a shift towards businesses recognizing the value of not only financial contributions to communities but also the active engagement of their employees in social responsibility initiatives. According to Points of Light, the world’s largest volunteer organization, the economic value of volunteer time is estimated to be over $25 per hour.

What impact do you think recognizing employee volunteerism has on company culture? Do you believe more companies should actively encourage their employees to give back to the community?

Share your thoughts in the comments below!

What specific criteria does country Bank use to select the recipient of the Community Champion Award?

Celebrating Local Heroes: The Impact of Community Involvement

Country Bank’s annual Community Champion Award isn’t just a recognition of volunteer hours; it’s a testament to the power of individuals to shape positive change within their communities. The 2023 award,recently presented,highlights the significant contributions of [Recipient Name],a long-time resident and dedicated volunteer known for their work with [Organization Name]. This award underscores Country Bank’s commitment to community advancement and corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Who is [Recipient Name]? A Profile of Dedication

[Recipient Name]’s journey of service began [Number] years ago, initially focusing on [Initial Volunteer Focus]. Over time, their involvement expanded to encompass a wide range of initiatives, including:

Youth Mentorship: Providing guidance and support to local students through [Program Name].

Food Security: Actively volunteering at [Food Bank/Organization] to combat hunger in the region.

Environmental Stewardship: Leading local cleanup efforts and promoting lasting practices.

Senior Support: Offering companionship and assistance to elderly residents through [Organization/Program].

Their dedication extends beyond simply donating time; [Recipient name] consistently demonstrates a proactive approach to identifying and addressing community needs. This proactive volunteerism is a key characteristic of a true Community Champion.

The Significance of the Community Champion Award

The Country Bank Community Champion Award isn’t a symbolic gesture. It’s a tangible demonstration of thankfulness and a catalyst for further local impact. The award includes:

Financial Donation: A [Dollar Amount] donation made in the recipient’s name to [Organization Name]. This funding will directly support [Specific Project/Initiative].

Public Recognition: Highlighting [Recipient Name]’s achievements through press releases, social media campaigns, and local news coverage. This increased community visibility helps inspire others.

Networking Opportunities: Connecting the recipient with other community leaders and organizations to foster collaboration.

Why Banks Invest in Community Recognition Programs

Financial institutions like Country Bank are increasingly recognizing the importance of investing in the communities they serve. This isn’t solely about philanthropy; it’s a strategic business decision. here’s why:

Enhanced Reputation: Supporting local initiatives builds trust and strengthens the bank’s brand image. Positive brand perception is crucial in today’s competitive market.

Customer Loyalty: Customers are more likely to support businesses that demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility. This fosters customer retention.

employee engagement: Volunteer opportunities and community involvement programs boost employee morale and attract top talent. A strong company culture is a valuable asset.

Economic Development: Investing in local organizations contributes to the overall economic health of the community. This creates a more stable and prosperous environment for everyone.

[organization Name]: The Beneficiary of dedicated Service

[Organization Name], the recipient of the accompanying financial donation, plays a vital role in [Community Name]. They provide [Services Offered] to [Target population]. The funds from the Community Champion Award will be used to [Specific Use of Funds], directly impacting the lives of [Number] individuals.This exemplifies the power of community partnerships and nonprofit support.

Inspiring Others: The Ripple Effect of Volunteerism

[Recipient Name]’s story serves as a powerful reminder that even small acts of kindness can make a significant difference. Country Bank hopes this award will inspire others to get involved in their communities and become champions for positive change. Resources for finding volunteer opportunities include:

VolunteerMatch: https://www.volunteermatch.org/

Idealist: https://www.idealist.org/

Local Community Centers: Contact your local community center for data on volunteer needs.

* United Way: https://www.unitedway.org/

Looking Ahead: Country Bank’s Continued Commitment

Country Bank remains dedicated to supporting the communities it serves. Future initiatives will focus on [Future Initiatives – e.g., financial literacy programs, small business support, environmental sustainability projects]. The Community Champion Award is just one example of their ongoing commitment