Making a difference in the community doesn’t always require a large and grand gesture. Instead, it can be something as simple as a cup of coffee. Williamstown Bank used the drink we go to for a boost in the morning to connect with their community and make a difference at home. Thanks to their efforts, Williamstown Bank has been voted as the 3rd place winner in Social Assurance’s 2022 Community Spark Awards!
“The Giving Cup” is Williamstown Bank’s donation-based coffee shop inside its new office. Rather than buying a coffee and paying a set price, customers donate to one of Williamstown Bank’s nonprofit beneficiaries. The more customers donate, the more “thank you” drinks they receive!
Opened in February of 2020, the Giving Cup was closed to walk-in traffic due to the pandemic until early 2021. However, this didn’t stop Williamstown Bank’s community-focused initiatives. It implemented curbside coffee to help keep donations coming. It has now crossed the $15,000 mark in total contributions received, with 100% of every donation going back into its community.
The donations have been used to help fund many projects and services for our beneficiaries. The elementary school used the donated proceeds during remote learning to help boost their technology resources to help students. The school also funded an accelerated reading program and provided professional development opportunities for teachers and achievement/recognition programs for its students.
Donations were also made to local community partners. The Volunteer Fire Departments (3 split proceeds) used the funds to purchase much-needed critical emergency gear. The Children’s Home Society, a foster/adoption service, used donations to help fund such programs as the Emergency Shelter for runaway or high at-risk teens. This program provides a safe place to stay and needs items like toiletries. It also helps fund after-school programs, educational outreach, and other critical services required to help fight the consequences of opioid abuse in our area.
The vision for the Giving Cup was to find a way Williamstown Bank could give back on an ongoing basis to provide support for local nonprofits in its area. It is excited at the potential to add a fourth beneficiary in the coming months as it hopes to expand The Giving Cup’s reach. Williamstown Bank believes in community service and giving back, and this is just one way Bank has stepped up to the plate to help meet needs in our area.
As a 2022 Community Spark Awards winner, Social Assurance is proud to donate $100 on behalf of Williamstown Bank to a local nonprofit organization of their choosing. We are thrilled to be a small part of the remarkable work they have done to give back to their community.
Social Assurance is committed to providing the financial services industry with a suite of software solutions, services, and storytelling tools that help build remarkable financial brands, cultures, and communities. With a mission to empower, ignite, and enable financial brands to be remarkable, Social Assurance now serves over 1,500 financial brands across the country, helping them to leave their mark and be heroes of their community.
