Chris Egland
First National Bank

First National Bank will again be helping seniors with their annual Santa’s Gift Tree in bank location lobbies.

With the rush of the holidays, and gift giving primarily focused on children, often our senior citizens are forgotten. For shut-ins, or seniors with little or no family nearby, the holidays can be an especially lonely time of year.

First National would like to make their Christmas a little brighter this year with the help of South Central Council of Governments, Corazon Square, Las Animas County Department of Social Services, Trinidad Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, The Legacy at Trinidad, H.R. Sayer Senior Center and generous people like you.

In the spirit of the season, Santa’s Gift Tree letters will be displayed in the bank lobby at 100 E. Main Street, in the Motor Bank Lobby and at the Wal-Mart Branch, from November 29 through December 13, or until all of the letters are taken. They will be actual letters written to Santa by seniors. Requests may include help with a utility bill, food, or other personal items. Choose a letter and fulfill the request. Drop off your gift-wrapped present no later than Tuesday, December 17th at the main bank.

“This is the eighteenth year we have sponsored this program at First National, and it has grown to 430 requests from senior citizens. The recipients of these gifts are so appreciative. In some cases it is the only Christmas gift they receive. We are pleased with the success of this program; both the giver and the receiver experience the gift of giving,” says event organizer, Christa Smith-Prieto. “With so many requests, we need the public’s help more than ever! Please stop by and pick up a letter. You’ll be glad you did! With your help, we can give our seniors the assistance they need and a special holiday memory to treasure.”

For more information about the gift tree program, contact The First National Bank in Trinidad at (719) 846-9881.