Community/News

1^st Franklin celebrated the holiday season by volunteering, supporting local first responders and donating to local charities to make a difference in the communities we serve.

Our Monroe, LA branch was grateful for the opportunity to help The Wellspring Alliance for Families spread warmth and kindness this winter season by donating winter clothing to their Winter Clothing Drive. If you’d like to help too, they’re in great need of scarves, gloves, socks and coats to help clients in their Homeless Services program. You can drop the items off at their Homeless Services office located at 405 Hall Street in Monroe, Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 9 – 11:30 a.m.

It’s a holiday tradition to ring the bell for Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign! This has become many of our branch’s favorite way to give back to our communities. Not only does the Salvation Army help over 4 million people during Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, but they also help over 25 million people throughout the year! This money goes toward meals, utilities, toys, clothes and so much more for those in need.

To generate the most Christmas excitement, we had to make sure as many kids as possible had presents to open Christmas morning! Each year, our Hogansville, GA branch sponsors Angel Kids through the Troup County Foster Parent Association. Our Grenada, MS branch donated toys to the Grenada Youth Court Toy Drive. These toys are given to local children that are in CPS custody during the holiday season. Our Cumming, GA branch provided Christmas presents for children currently living in the Family Haven Domestic Violence Shelter. Family Haven provides resources, temporary shelter and other support services for victims of violence. If you’re interested in getting involved, programs like these offer several ways that you can make a positive impact for a child in foster care. Opportunities include financial contributions, volunteering with a local foster care program, tutoring or mentoring a child in foster care, and sending care packages.