Photo courtesy of Midland States Bank.
EFFINGHAM, IL-(Effingham Radio)- Midland States Bank today announced contributions to four local organizations. The organizations include Effingham Public Library, Crisis Nursery of Effingham County, Effingham County Cultural Center and Museum Association, and Ballard Nature Center of Altamont. The contributions, totaling $80,0000, go towards supporting each organization’s community assistance programs.
The Midland States Bank Foundation provides improvements for the general welfare, education, and health in the communities where the Bank operates. Since its creation in 2011, the Foundation has contributed more than $715,000 to non-profit organizations throughout Midland’s footprint.
“Eight years ago we began to set aside a portion of the Bank’s profits, donated by our Midland State’s Bank Foundation, to various community organizations,” commented Jeffrey C Ludwig, President and CEO of Midland State’s Bancorp, Inc. “It is a powerful way for us to give back to our communities and provide financial support for these important organizations. I am very pleased to see this effort continue today throughout the communities we serve”.
The Effingham Public Library is the recipient of $25,000 to assist with its new after-school program for middle school student. The RISE program, which stands for Read, Innovate, Serve, and Engage, provides free after-school programming and activities for area students in 5th through 8th grade.
“RISE continues to be a wonderful service for our community and a successful program for our students. With support from Midland States Bank, we have the opportunity to expand this program and provide for our young learners,” said Effingham Public Library Director Amanda McKay.
Crisis Nursery of Effingham County received $35,000 to assist with their work to prevent childhood trauma, abuse, and neglect through 24-hour emergency shelter care. The donation this year will be used for renovating their upstairs space and adding a wheelchair lift to the side of the building. This program provides emergency shelter care to children from birth to six years of age.
Photo courtesy of Midland States Bank.
“With this donation, Crisis Nursery of Effingham County can continue to grow and meet the ongoing needs of our community,” commented Meghan Rewers, Executive Director of Crisis Nursery of Effingham County. “With this year’s generous gift from Midland States Bank Foundation, we can renovate space upstairs that will be dedicated to providing families with a higher level of supportive services. We thank Midland for helping keep children safe and families strong in Effingham County”.
Photo courtesy of Midland States Bank.
The Effingham County Cultural Center and Museum Association (ECCCMA) received $15,000 to assist with improvements to their building as well as upgrading display cases. The museum provides education and showcases the history, art, and transportation of Effingham County.
“The Museum is at a stage in its existence during which there are rather large expenses required for improvements within the historic courthouse building, especially the clock tower and surrounding area,” said Delaine Donaldson, President of the ECCCMA. “We are so very grateful for the Bank’s generosity through the years. It is easy to see that the Bank is community-oriented and is concerned with promoting the same values as the Museum”.
Ballard Nature Center of Altamont is the recipient of $5,000, which will directly benefit the evening and weekend programs as well as hiking trail maintenance. The nature center provides educational programs to schools, kids, adults, and families throughout the year in addition to its hiking, picnic space, and fishing opportunities.
“At Ballard Nature Center, we take pride in providing a place for visitors to get out and enjoy nature,” commented Karan Greuel of Ballard Nature Center. “This donation from Midland will help us provide diverse programming for families. We thank Midland for supporting the educational opportunities we offer to the community and the value of spending time in nature”.
Photo courtesy of Midland States Bank.
