West Shore Bank Spirit of Giving campaign to feed 1,148 families at Christmas. 

West Shore Bank Spirit of Giving campaign to feed 1,148 families at Christmas. 

LUDINGTON – West Shore Bank, in partnership with Shop-N-Save of Ludington, Hansen Foods in Hart, Family Fare in Manistee, and Shop-N-Save in Benzonia, will be distributing 1,148 Christmas meals to food banks in Oceana, Mason, Manistee and Benzie counties as a result of the recent West Shore Bank Spirit of Giving fundraising efforts.  Representatives from area charities gathered last week for the West Shore Bank Spirit of Giving luncheon where results were announced and certificates for the meals were distributed.

For three weeks West Shore Bank collected funds at its branches in Oceana, Mason, Manistee and Benzie counties; employees, residents and businesses contributed.   Arrangements were made and coordinated with each partner to purchase a complete meal at a special pre-determined price.

“The Bank staff and I truly appreciate the individuals and businesses that support this cause,” Raymond Biggs, president and CEO of West Shore Bank said.  “Helping those struggling in our own community during the holiday season is what makes this ‘Spirit of Giving’ effort so important.  We’re committed to finding ways we can make a difference in our local communities and providing a meal at Christmas is one way we can do that.”

A total of $14,828.34 was raised, which included a $2,500 match from West Shore Bank as well as a $5,366 Mason County match from Pennies From Heaven Foundation.  Last year a total of $9,813.00 was collected and 830 meals donated.