Investing in our Community

Banking on Making a Difference

The Farmers State Bank and Trust Company continues over 100 years of local ownership and commitment to the Jacksonville and Morgan County area. The Bank, along with its employees, makes great investments in the community through service, offering of time and expertise to service and non-profit organizations.  Together we are working to make our community a better place to work and live.

In 2015, “Banking on Making a Difference” was launched as a way to highlight our employee’s contributions to the community and support area organizations. Every month employees choose to wear jeans and pay $5.00.  The Bank picks 12 different local charities to highlight their mission and spotlight some employees working with those organizations.  Half of the money raised goes to the Bank’s chosen charity.  Employees who paid $5.00 were entered into a drawing, and the other half of the money raised is given to the winning employee’s charity of choice.  Since 2015, the employees have raised more than $8,000 and benefited over 40 local organizations.

“Banking on Making a Difference” continues as we support the Bank’s Business-Education Partnership Lincoln School. Classroom Bank Volunteers are paired with classrooms who need extra assistance for students. Support is given annually to assist with educational needs identified by teachers.

Additional activities were arranged to support “Banking on Making a Difference” through-out the year. The Central Illinois Blood Bank visits the Bank and many volunteers and customers help by giving blood.   The Bank also assists the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.  Many employees volunteer to count the money collected at the event.   Many employees also help with many educational tours that come to the Bank through-out the year.  Employees teach these many groups about banking products and services.

The spirit of giving is very apparent through the many hours of service the Bank’s employees give to the Jacksonville area.  The employees also choose to support the community in their own ways by serving local service clubs, not-for-profit boards, area events, and service agency programs.  This along with the many organizations and efforts the Bank donates to through-out the year is the way The Farmers State Bank and Trust Company continues the efforts as the Bank’s employees are “Banking on Making a Difference”.