NORTH COAST, Calif. – Eleven nonprofit organizations in Mendocino and Lake counties have received a portion of the $11,285 contributed by Savings Bank employees and the bank during the 2016 Casual for a Cause – Denim Days yearlong fundraising campaign.

Due to the ongoing success, this effort will continue in 2017.

“Over the past five years, this effort has made a great impact in our communities with donations totaling $66,457,” said Katie Kight, Savings Bank marketing officer. “We’re investing in our local youth, senior citizens, those in need, the arts, education, public safety and economic development to strengthen the quality of life in our communities.”

The idea of “Casual For A Cause – Denim Days” began in January 2012 with a group of Savings Bank employees who wanted an additional way to make a difference in our communities during difficult economic times.

Every Friday and Saturday, employees have the opportunity to dress casual by wearing denim jeans to work while supporting a variety of local nonprofit organizations through voluntary donations.

Each month employees at a designated branch select the organization of their choice which will benefit by the monthly contributions.

In 2016 the following organizations received funds from this program: Potter Valley Volunteer Fire Department, Hopland Cemetery-Wreaths Across America, Lake County Habitat For Humanity, Redwood Coast Senior Center, Redwood Valley Outdoor Education Project, Redwood Community Services Youth Empowerment Camp, Mendocino Volunteer Fire Department, Willits Kids Club, Laytonville Food Bank, Hospice of Ukiah, Court Appointed Special Advocates of Mendocino and Lake counties.

“Redwood Valley Outdoor Education Project greatly values your generosity and support of our environmental education program,” wrote Maureen Taylor, RVOEP education coordinator. “Your donation will help in our efforts to enable students to become more aware of their surroundings and better stewards of the environment.”

“With your help we are able to provide assistance for those families in our community affected by the recent fires”, wrote Richard Birk, Habitat for Humanity Lake County president. “Only with the ongoing support of people like you can we continue to live up to our mission.”

“Our current patient load is the highest it’s ever been and we are experiencing the need for more medical and in home staff”, wrote Janet M. Denninger, Hospice of Ukiah administrator. “Your gift will help us meet our present and future growth.”

“Laytonville Food Bank thanks everyone at Savings Bank for the donation,” wrote Norma Branson. “With your donation we gave out extra food for Thanksgiving and Christmas.”

“We are grateful for the work your business does to improve and support the communities it serves”, wrote Chief Ed O’Brien, Mendocino Volunteer Fire Department. “Your donation will help fund the emergency training, rescue and response of our volunteer fire department.”

As the local community bank, Savings Bank is proud of their tradition of giving back to their communities and the community support and volunteer time that their employees provide.