West Shore Bank’s Spirit of Giving for 786 meals.

West Shore Bank’s Spirit of Giving for 786 meals.

LUDINGTON — West Shore Bank’s 11th annual Spirit of Giving fundraising campaign recently raised $9,869 to purchase 786 Christmas meals that will be distributed to food banks in Mason, Oceana, Manistee and Benzie counties. The program is in partnership with Shop-N-Save of Ludington, Hansen Foods in Hart, Family Fare in Manistee and Shop-N-Save in Benzonia.

Representatives from local area charities gathered on December 11 for the West Shore Bank Spirit of Giving luncheon where results were announced and funds for the meals were distributed.

For four weeks West Shore Bank collected funds from Oceana, Mason, Manistee and Benzie County employees, residents and businesses at their local branch offices. Arrangements were made and coordinated with each partner to purchase a complete meal at a special pre-determined price. 

“We are truly thankful to have a community that supports the bank and its employees in the fundraising efforts to provide a Christmas meal for local families during the holiday season,” said Raymond Biggs, president and CEO of West Shore Bank. “For 11 years, ‘Spirit of Giving’ has been successful because of the generosity of businesses and residents in all four counties served. Partnering with local food pantries and grocery stores to provide a meal for a local family is one way we can continue to always make a difference in our communities.”