SKOWHEGAN — Skowhegan Savings Bank employees have donated $20,000 to 20 local nonprofits during the bank’s fourth annual Season of Giving. Started in 2021, the bank’s employees annually select 20 nonprofits in their communities to give $1,000 grants to as part of the program.

“Our annual Season of Giving reflects the bank’s commitment to giving back and showing our appreciation of these nonprofit organizations, who work to strengthen our communities’ throughout the year,” said David Cyr, president and CEO of the bank. “Our employees take great pride in being a part of our communities.”

This year’s Season of Giving recipients included local food pantries, humane societies and other community initiatives, including the John Domareki Kindness Award Scholarship Program.

“John was known by many in the community as a volunteer coach for Skowhegan High School football, baseball and basketball teams. He was a friend to all and received a kindness award himself,” said Molly Chapman, retail operations manager. “This scholarship award was set up to recognize students who exhibit the same kindness, respect at school and within the community that he did.”

Skowhegan Savings Bank’s Skowhegan Branch choose to spread the kindness by recognizing the John Domareki Kindness Award Scholarship Program with their Season of Giving grant.

The employees of the Rangeley branch selected the Sargent Family Community Fund as their 2024 grant recipient. The fund was created by Craig Sargent, who saw a need to support those in need in the greater Rangeley region.

“The Sargent Family Community Fund was founded to benefit the people in the area who do not have the means they need to live at an optimal level. Since our creation, our goal has been to help people in need through financial assistance, volunteer labor, food donations and much more,” explained Sargent.

The bank’s call center team surprised Make-A-Wish Maine with their $1,000 grant. The organization raises funds to help grant wishes for children with illnesses in Maine.

“We wanted to impact a life of a child and Make-A-Wish was the perfect place to do so,” stated Debbie Kramer, assistant vice president and call center manager. “It brings joy to our hearts that we can make a wish come true in putting a smile on a child’s face, as these children inspire us with their strength and determination.”

Skowhegan Savings has been a longtime supporter of the Make-A-Wish Maine organization and has been the lead sponsor of their annual Trailblaze Challenge, a 23.4 mile fundraising hike along Maine Huts & Trails in Carrabassett Valley.

Other nonprofits that received Season of Giving grants this year, included:

Baker Mountain Ski Tow Club
Fairfield Food Pantry
Families Matter, Inc.
Goodwill Hinckley Food Cupboard
Heart of Maine Resource Center
Hospice Volunteers of Somerset County
Kennebec Valley Humane Society
Lights Up Productions
Madison Main Street Middle School Food Pantry
Maine Mountain Children’s Home
Moonshiner’s Snowmobile Club
Peter Thrift Shop & Food Pantry
Portland Symphony Orchestra
RSU 9 Food Pantry
Somerset Humane Society
The Sweet Dreams Project
Town of Jackman Food Cupboard

Cyr expressed great pride in being part of an organization whose employees are so passionate about giving back to their communities, “Our employees really enjoy having the opportunity to select the nonprofits. It’s always fun to see the diversity of organizations that they select and to witness the nonprofit’s appreciation when they surprise them with these grants.”

In 2024, the bank donated over $400,000 to local nonprofits and community initiatives. For more information about the Skowhegan Savings’ Charitable Foundation or the Season of Giving program, please visit https://www.skowhegan.com/about-us/charitable-giving.