As a mutual bank, we have always believed in helping others in our communities. In addition to our charitable foundation, our #Giving for Good program highlights Bank’s volunteerism as well as non-profit partners and organizations that help so many in our communities.
Every Bank employee is given 10 paid hours each year to volunteer in our communities for causes that are near and dear to them. In addition, "green teams" of Bank employees go out into the community every month to 'pay it forward’ by donating needed supplies and equipment to senior centers, delivering lunch to first responders, purchasing supplies for local schools and shelters, and more.
Check out this short video highlighting #Giving for Good and our generous charitable giving!
Paying it forward in 2024
In December, Ipswich County Road and Hamilton offices supported two organizations serving young children and families: Birth to Three Family Center and Acord Food Pantry. The 'Green Teams' donated much-needed diapers and craft supplies to Ipswich's Birth to Three Family Center, as well as diapers, wipes, baby food and snacks to Acord Food Pantry.
In November, the Newburyport Storey Avenue office paid it forward to two organizations: AgeSpan’s Power of Pet Program and Salisbury Santa’s Helpers. AgeSpan recently launched Power of Pets - a program to support clients with the cost of pet ownership by helping with the cost of food, flea and tick care, vet appointments and more. Salisbury Santa’s Helper Program has been providing Christmas gifts to those in need for over 40 years. The Storey Ave. "Green Team" donated gift cards and surprise gifts for this holiday season.
In October, the Gloucester office supported Cape Ann Veterans Services in Gloucester by bringing them breakfast for their Friday morning social gathering, purchased several items for them to ship overseas for “Support the Troops”, and presented a check to the local veterans.In September, the Ipswich Depot Square Giving for Good team supported three local organizations, donating $500 each to: Operation Troop Support that supports North Shore men and women deployed across the country, the Friends of Ipswich Public Library Children's Program, and the Service Dog Project, Inc. that trains Great Dane service dogs to support those who have difficulty with their balance and mobility.
In August, the Rockport Office team donated $1,500 to the Rockport Police Department's Comfort Dog Program. Luna the Therapy Dog and School Resource Officer Anderson offers this program to provide emotional support and an unconditional friend to Rockport students and staff.
In July, the Newburyport Main Office and Rock Operations Center (ROC) donated to two worthy organizations: Newbury Food Pantry and American Legion Post 150. ROC donated $1,500 in gas gift cards to Newbury Food Pantry volunteers who use their own cars and gas every Friday to deliver food to almost 200 households. The Main Office gave $1,500 to American Legion Post 150 for assistance to local veterans to help with everything from temporary housing to grocery and personal care items.
In June, the Salem and Beverly offices donated funds to both the Salem Sound Coastwatch to support its environmental stewardship programs, as well as St. Vincent DePaul to provide meals to those impacted by food insecurity in Beverly.
In May, the Salisbury Office treated the Salisbury Police Department and Salisbury Fire Department to lunch, as well as provided snacks for their kitchens. The team also donated $500 to Salisbury's Guinea Pig Sanctuary to assist in paying veterinary bills.
In April, the Amesbury office made a $1,500 donation to the Friends of Amesbury Council on Aging's Pet Program which helps COA patrons pay to care for their beloved animals. This donation specifically supports veterinary needs and pet wellness checks. In March, the Middleton office made a donation to the Friends of the Middleton Council on Aging’s food pantry, as well as to the Friends of the Flint Library for their youth movie and pizza night.
In March, the Boxford office donated a new grill to the Boxford Council on Aging to host cookouts at the Senior Center. The Topsfield office also donated a new iPad to the Topsfield Council on Aging.
In February, the Residential Lending office donated 48 care packages to Exeter Hospital’s Falzone Center for Cancer Care for patients undergoing treatment. Additionally, after hearing that Bresnahan Elementary teachers are in constant need of germ-fighting supplies, the Residential Lending team filled 37 bags with tissues, paper towels and disinfectant wipes for every classroom.
In January, our Rowley office and commercial lending team donated new gym equipment to the Pine Grove Elementary School in Rowley. They also made a donation to the YMCA of the Northshore to benefit Camp Cedar Mill in Rowley.
2021 #Giving for Good Beneficiaries
2021 Donations
In January, employees from our Main office presented Tara Driscoll from Fostering Care in West Newbury with a generous donation to purchase personal care items for children in their care.
In February, our Rockport office employees donated Market Basket gift cards to the staff at the DenMar Health & Rehabilitation Center in Rockport. Assistant Manager Kelly Nappa presented the gift cards to Executive Director Derek Moore and his staff.
In March, employees of our Ipswich office surprised the hard working staff at the Doyon and Winthrop Elementary Schools with free lunch. Each staff member received a gift card to a local restaurant.
To the left is Doyon Elementary School Principal Sheila Halloran (middle), along with Brooke Sweeney and Shelly Gauthier from our Ipswich office.
Below is Winthrop Elementary School Principal Sheila McAdams (middle), along with Jenn Velez and Christine Allen from our Ipswich office.
Also in March, employees of our Ipswich team surprised community hero Alex Doyle of Conley’s Pharmacy with a gift card to the Hart House in appreciation for his tireless efforts coordinating COVID-19 testing and vaccination sites within multiple towns in our area.
In April, employees in our Gloucester office allocated their funds to three terrific groups. Residents at the Eliot House in Gloucester (left) received gift cards, the staff at Urgent Care in Gloucester were treated to lunch and essential workers in the community received gift cards in appreciation for all that they do to help others.
In May, our Storey Avenue Newburyport team presented Runway for Recovery Founder and Executive Director Olivia Achtmeyer Boger with a generous donation to help support families of those affected by breast cancer.
In June, employees in our Hamilton and County Road Ipswich offices donated backpacks full of supplies for the Ipswich YMCA's summer campers.
In July, employees in our Rowley office donated funds to the North East Educational & Development Support (NEEDS) Center's Community Based Day Support program, which helps individuals develop their communication and socialization skills. The funds will be used to purchase educational and recreational materials for this vital program.
In August, employees in our Lending office donated funds to two worthy organizations.
The Lydia’s Kids Foundation is a charitable foundation in Newburyport that provides funds for children in need for short term items such as eyeglasses, clothing, snow boots or summer camp expenses that may not be satisfied by other agencies.
The One Wish Project is a nonprofit that provides a birthday cake and presents to children on their birthday that are in foster care homes and homeless shelters in Merrimack Valley. Hannah Finn, the founder of the project, started when she was 14 years old with the hopes “they remember how even a stranger like me, recognized and celebrated each of them individually and made them feel deserving of all the joys of a birthday celebration regardless of their circumstances.” Recently, she has broadened their footprint into the North Shore and Boston area. The project is truly one of a kind and with the help of her mom Claudia Mintz and many volunteers, they have been able to celebrate about 400 birthdays since the nonprofit’s start.
In September, employees in our Boxford office provided lunch to the Boxford Fire and Police departments. The Boxford office is so proud and thankful to have both the PD and FD keeping them safe. Lunch was prepared by the Boxford Community Kitchen.
In September, employees in our Topsfield office provided lunch to the Topsfield Fire and Police departments.
Wrapping up our September Giving for Good activities, our Middleton office employees provided a hot lunch to the members of the Middleton Fire and Police departments.
In October, employees from the Amesbury office chose two great organizations to support.
The first donation to the Amesbury Council on Aging funded the bagged lunch program for Seniors for the remainder of the year.
James Place provides before and after school care for children in kindergarten through age 13 in the Amesbury community. Funds will be distributed in the form of scholarships for families experiencing hardships.
In November, employees from our Salisbury office presented the staff at the Salisbury Senior Center's new food pantry, Joanne's Market, with 60 Market Basket $25 gift cards to be distributed to those in need.
In December, our Salem office donated personal care items to the Healing Abuse Working for Change (HAWC) organization in Salem. HAWC provides services to victims of domestic violence residing on the North Shore.
In December, the Beverly office donated funds to Express Yourself, an inspiring organization that provides creative arts programs for the youth in the Beverly area.
2022 #Giving for Good Beneficiaries
2022 Donations
In January, our Rowley office and commercial lending department assembled grab & go bags for the Rowley Senior Center. The bags, which included an assortment of treats, personal care items and activities, were distributed to Rowley seniors.
In February, Residential Lending office employees surprised families in the Habitat for Humanity program with drawstring backpacks for the children filled with all kinds of fun items and a gift card to a local sporting goods store.
In March, employees from the Topsfied, Boxford and Middleton offices presented Rest-Stop-Ranch in Topsfield with a donation to fund wheelchair accessible healing gardens which help provide a place for respite, peace and tranquility to those with Dementia, Alzheimer’s or other illnesses.
In April, the Amesbury office partnered with the Amesbury Educational Foundation Inc. and hosted a teacher appreciation day at all five Amesbury public schools.
In May, a crowd of cheering youngsters greeted our Giving for Good crew when they visited the Boys & Girls Club of Lower Merrimack Valley in Salisbury to deliver two truck loads of sporting goods for their summer programs. An ample supply of fun was unloaded, including two full-size soccer goals, an assortment of playground balls, lawn games, slip ‘n slides, frisbees and more!
In June, the Beverly and Salem offices donated to NAGLY (North Shore Alliance of GLBTQ+ Youth). NAGLY has daily programs/events centered around fostering children’s individual identities and teach them skills on how to remain safe and healthy through a variety of programs including leadership training, a program with the North Shore Rape Crisis Center, tutoring, fitness, game nights, health clinics, counseling and more. The offices donated about $300 in snacks to feed the children while at these programs. The remaining funds were a monetary donation.
In July, our Main office employees presented Newburyport Youth Services (NYS) with a donation to help launch the NYS Family Club. NYS is a municipal department founded 16 years ago with the mission to create quality programs, events, and services for Greater Newburyport Area youth and families in safe and supportive environments that encourage growth, self-exploration, empowerment and community. The funds will be used to sponsor future events and speakers hosted by the NYS Family Club.
In August, our Rockport office employees donated to the Rockport Middle and High School Green Team to help fund their organic garden and to further their mission of keeping the schools environmentally conscious.
In September, the Ipswich team purchased pet supplies and made a donation to the Ipswich Humane Group.
In October, the Gloucester office made a donation to the activities fund at the Day by Day Adult Care in Gloucester.
In November, the Storey Avenue Newburyport team presented Fostering Care with backpacks stuffed with clothing, supplies and stuffed animals to help support children in foster care.
In December, the Hamilton and County Road Ipswich offices teamed up to support Veterans in their areas. A donation was made to the Veterans in the Hamilton-Wenham community and 56 American Flags were donated to the Ipswich Veterans group to replace the flags prominently displayed along Central & Market Streets in Ipswich.
2023 #Giving for Good Beneficiaries
2023 donations
In December, the Hamilton and County Road offices focused on the elderly adults within the Ipswich & Hamilton communities. They provided the Ipswich & Hamilton Councils on Aging with Holiday Gift Bags to be distributed to seniors who may be lonely or isolated. The gift bags contained items that offered: Something to do, something to wear, something practical, something pampering & something sweet to eat.
In November the Storey Avenue Newburyport office chose two wonderful local organizations to support. Emmaus House, a homeless shelter in Haverhill, received $250 in groceries and a check for $500. Anchor of Hope Diaper Bank, also in Haverhill, received $250 of diapers and wipes a $500 donation.
October's Giving for Good was organized by the Gloucester office who donated funds to 2 Show We Care, a micro-nonprofit in Gloucester. This non-profit supports people affected by cancer and other life-threatening illnesses by hosting entertainment events and programs.
In September the Depot Square Ipswich office presented Wolf Hollow with a donation to be used to help maintain its facilities. Wolf Hollow is a non-profit wolf sanctuary and educational facility located in Ipswich.
In August, the Rockport office presented the American Legion Post #98 with a donation to be used to purchase new recreational equipment.
In July, Newburyport's Main Office treated campers and counselors at Newburyport Youth Services summer camp with ice cream and popsicles. The "Green Team" also purchased supplies for the Children's’ Room at the Newburyport Public Library.
Also in July, the Rock Operations Center in Newburyport donated $750 to Link House’s Women’s Independent Sober House (WISH) and $750 in much-needed supplies to Sweet Paws Rescue.
In June, the Beverly and Salem offices donated $1,000 to support Beverly Children's Learning Center's enrichment activities, as well as $500 to The Girdler House to treat residents to a special lunch out on the town.
In May, the Salisbury office treated Salisbury Elementary School students and faculty to Hodgies Too of Salisbury ice cream to celebrate the completion of MCAS testing and all of their great efforts this school year.
April’s Giving for Good was organized by the Amesbury office and they donated $1,500 to the Ava J. Harlow Supplemental Needs Fund to assist a young Amesbury resident who recently had been severely injured in an accident.
In March, the Middleton office selected the Middleton Youth Softball Association as the recipient of a $1,500 donation to assist with field upgrades and maintenance.
In February, the Residential Lending office donated $900 worth of Uber gift cards to the Gerrish Breast Care Center at Anna Jaques Hospital and $600 to Nock Middle School so students in need could attend Project Adventure camp.
In January, our Rowley office and commercial lending team selected the Rowley Public Library as the recipient of a $1,500 donation.
