Local banks seek support for children on Rice County Giving Trees
By Raechel Manley, First Bank
STERLING, Kan. — Three Rice County banks are on the mission to support children in need this holiday season. The annual Rice County Giving Trees can be found at First Bank in both Sterling and Lyons, KS as well as Lyons Federal and People’s Bank in Lyons.
The trees contain tags collected from area schools filled with shopping ideas for children in need.
Community members may come and pick a tag or tags from one of the trees and purchase items by December 1st. Items and tags will need to be returned to the banks to be wrapped and delivered before Christmas break.
“We keep the children’s names anonymous and only include age, sex, size, and likes on the tags. Whether a preschooler needs a pair of shoes, or a high school student would like a new back pack, we collect for all ages of children,” said Stephanie Detmer, Rice County Giving Tree Chairperson.
With more tags and more need than has been seen in past years, the area banks are asking community members to consider sponsoring a child.
“There is something special that comes with giving from the heart during this time of year. We make it a family affair, shopping with my child, encouraging her to remember others and the reason for this season,” said Breanna Gillespie, First Bank staff member.
