Giving Back!

A hallmark of Charter Oak Bank has been giving back to our community. Every employee takes an active part in following their passion in giving back. Our philosophy is rather than just giving back - we pay it forward. By being active in helping our community we are helping support the future of our community. By leveraging the talents that we have – we create value in the areas we give – and thus transfer that gift into something larger for the future of the Napa Valley.

This is the time of year we think of donations – whether it be a donation of our time, our talents or dollars – December is a month of giving. If we each help ten people, and they each help ten people – with time, talent or dollars – the multiplier effect could be phenomenal. But as we all know our community needs are year-round. Thus we need to be involved year-round. Have you considered getting affiliated with a community organization – in any form? Your involvement could be as a board member, a committee supporter, or just volunteering your time on a regular basis.

This coming year – 2011 – will still carry over 9% un-employment for most of the year. And that figure does not count the number of underemployed – those that took jobs to get food on the table, but not earning enough to pay the rent. Our non-profits here in the Napa Valley are being stretched in this recession. Utilization is up – we are seeing more domestic violence, longer lines at the food bank, greater stress and more mental health issues - - while donations are down to the very organizations trying to provide support to these areas. A double whammy!

Thus the plea for your time, talents or dollars to help just one organization – and getting ten friends to do likewise. And if they would each get ten friends, etc. etc. By giving back, we pay it forward.