by Chris Egland,
VP – The First National Bank in Trinidad
OUR WORLD — The school supply drive recently held by The First National Bank in Trinidad and its branch locations was, once again, an overwhelming success!
The twenty-first annual donation drive brought in a total of over $9,737 in cash donations, and $2,450 was matched by First National. The $12,187 was used to purchase supplies to be distributed to twenty schools in Las Animas, Huerfano and Colfax Counties.
The school list included Holy Trinity Academy, Grace Christian, Hoehne, Primero, Kim, Branson, Aguilar, Fisher’s Peak Elementary, G.O.A.L. Academy in Trinidad, Trinidad Middle School and Trinidad High School, Peakview School, Walsenburg John Mall High School, G.O.A.L. Academy in Walsenburg, LaVeta Elementary and High School, Gardner, Longfellow Elementary, Raton Intermediate School and Raton High School. Each school received a percentage of the donations in their corresponding counties based upon enrollment numbers; the schools will then distribute them to the students who have a need.
This year, the Loan Production Office in Raton combined forces with Zia Youth in their school supply drive to maximize funds to get the children of Raton the supplies they need to have a successful year. Supplies will be distributed on August 14th at Round House Park from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
“We received many positive comments and notes of appreciation for the supplies that were donated last year,” says Bank Vice President, Chris Egland. “It’s a project we do to help the schools and children in the area, and it’s been very successful. The generosity shown by area businesses, organizations, and individuals has made this project a rewarding one for all involved.”
A special ‘thank you’ was extended by the Bank to Trinidad donors: San Isabel Electric Association, Basin Electric Power Cooperative, Shirley A. Donachy, Trinidad Area Retired School Employees Association, Emma Carnevale, Annette Halbersleben, Bradley and Julie Hagan, Robert Arko, U.M.W.A. Local 6126, Frank and Sophie Leone, Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Harder, The Chronicle News, Rotary Club of Trinidad, Judge Jesse Manzanares, Ret., The Extra Step Foundation – Devon McFarland, Christopher Biagi, Days Inn of Trinidad, Col. Louis and Jo Ann Simpleman, Chris Simpleman, Robert and Carmela Skalko, JD Partners Ranch, Yvonne Fernandez, Phyllis Griego, Fred and Michele Eichler, Sue Bates, Henry and Janine Solano, Church of the Nazarene, Dotter Abstract, Loretta J. Day, Trinidad Area Health Association – Mt. San Rafael Hospital employees, Michael and Glenda McMasters, Sherry Files, Joe Nazzaro, Juanita Vela, E. Jerome Henrich and Catherine Sartain, Mary Bishop, Claude B. Aragon and Keeley E. Aragon-Horton, Mary Anne Kaessner, and Janet Morris. Walsenburg donors included: Dotter Abstract Company, Basin Electric, San Isabel Electric Assoc., Karl Tomsic and Nicki Bocim, Walsenburg Sand & Gravel, Gary Vezzani, Larry and Sandra Martinez, Nikolas Harrington, Gary Ferguson, J D Partners, Bill John and Tammy Hickey, James Brungardt, William Hall, Gerald Skrzynear, Carmen Lara, Bill Story, Tracy Atkinson, Tyler Kirkland, Ric Rogers, Bob Martin, Donald Kindler, Jennifer Torres, Christine Milton, Linda Donnelly, Desaray Martinez, Sharon Vezzani, Ernie Garcia, Edward Donovan, Deborah Donovan, Kandilyn Stroh, Birgit Burglechner, Helen Parker, Albino Manzanares, and Paula Hiatt. In Raton, donors included: Marv and Patti Newton, In Memory of David Dan Day, Leroy and Debbie Sandoval, Marthann Thompson, MD Hospitality LLC, and Tom and Fonda Davis. Many anonymous donors also contributed.
