Bank Awards Charities Based on Customer Votes

Washington Financial Bank, which has two branch locations in , has awarded a total of $25,000 to 21 local charities based on customer votes as part of the bank’s annual Customer Choice Program.

“At Washington Financial, we believe very strongly in listening to our customers,” said Brian J. Smith, president and CEO, in a statement.

“Consistent with that ideal, we implemented our Customer Choice Program to give our customers a role in deciding which community organizations should receive financial support as part of the bank’s Charitable Contributions Program.”

Since the inception of Customer Choice, Washington Financial customers have helped the bank allocate more than $650,000 to community organizations.

The following charities were Washington Financial customers' top choices for 2012:

American Cancer Society

Brownson House

Child Evangelism Outreach

Citizens Library

Domestic Violence Services of SWPA

Donnell House (Hospice Care)

Faith in Action

Habitat for Humanity

Hickory United Presbyterian Church

McMurray Lions Club

NAACP - Washington

Pet Search

Salvation Army

Washington Christian Outreach

Washington City Mission

Washington County Marine Corps League

Washington County Toys for Tots

Washington Food Bank

Washington Humane Society

Washington-Greene Blind Association

Watchful Shepherd USA

The funding provided to this year's charities will help provide hot meals to the homeless, transport victims of domestic abuse, aid cancer research, further programs such as the Eagle Scouts and Young Marines, assist children with severe vision disabilities, and much more.

“Each of these charities is very grateful for the support of our customers and the bank,” said Smith. “We are delighted that the bank’s Customer Choice Program has been able to benefit so many worthwhile organizations and look forward to continuing this valuable program in the future.”

Washington Financial provides support for a wide range of community organizations through both monetary donations and employee volunteer hours.

Many of the bank’s employees are volunteers, or board members of local non-profits and civic organizations. Additionally, the bank offers scholarships to local students each year. To date, 150 students have received Washington Financial scholarships to further their education, .

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