Peoples Bank Pays it Forward to Local Heroes
We're All in This Together
People all over our communities are helping others. Peoples Bank recently asked you to nominate local heroes in your community who are doing their part to pay it forward during these difficult times. The response was overwhelming, but we could only select five winners. We rewarded each hero with $250 and are excited to share the winning nominations below. Peoples Bank would like to extend a big "thank you" to everyone who continues to make a difference in their community.
Rebecca Larsen as nominated by Kari Kennedy:
"Rebecca is the executive director of Helping Hands Food Bank in Sedro-Woolley, but she isn't just coordinating meals for Sedro-Woolley; she is running five food banks since COVID-19 devastated our States. Each week she searches for volunteers to help with distribution of food. Just this week, she fed over 2,400 families in need of food. Anyone is welcome to get food! Becky has always made sure that no matter your financial status, you can show up and get food for your family. Not only does she help with food distribution, but she must raise the funds because, for health reasons, they cannot accept donations until COVID-19 risk is limited. I believe that if she is awarded the $250, she'll take it and put it right back into her mission to feed families!"
Eric Peterson as nominated by Sandy Rankin:
“I nominate Eric Peterson as our local hero. Eric is a high school teacher and coach and owns a small business in Oak Harbor. The business is called Ashley's Design & Letterman Jackets. This is a place where a lot of the community and beyond come to him for printing needs and high schoolers for letterman jackets. When the stores closed Eric, decided to do something to help himself and fellow small businesses. He made a goal to raise $20,000 to help those impacted by the shutdown. He is selling t-shirts with 'Whidbey Strong' on them and a local business you pick out. He has over 100 businesses listed to choose from. Every shirt purchased, $10 goes directly to the business you choose. He has been paying out to businesses every Saturday throughout the shutdown. Once the shutdown is lifted, he will print the shirts and distribute them. To date, he has raised $22,240 with ten days to go. This money has been distributed to businesses on Whidbey Island to help them keep lights on etc. For more on this story, you can go to Ashley's Design & Letterman Jacket Facebook page. Eric has selflessly helped many others during this crisis. Eric deserves recognition.”
Brenna Clancy-Sebens as nominated by Nicole Uffelman:
“I would like to nominate Brenna for Peoples Bank Pays it Forward to Local Heroes. In August of 2019, Brenna's family started the Lynden Community Food Pantry to help those in need with food, diapers, and formula. During the winter storm of 2020, there will be a high need, especially with the elderly who could not make the trip to the grocery store. The needs became higher than ever during the pandemic. Not only is the food pantry opened 24 hours a day, but she also offers those in need to 'shop' the back stock. Anyone, no matter their circumstances, can come by the pantry and grab what they need to feed their family. Brenna's family has expanded the pantry to allow for a greater impact for our local community, which included a larger pantry with a light and coolers for cold items. Eventually, they will have a fresh produce stand for veggies and fruit in the summertime. I cannot express how wonderful this pantry is for the local community of Lynden. In my opinion, she is a true selfless hero and deserves to be recognized.”
Mary Elliott as nominated by Sarah James:
“Mary has been working non-stop and tirelessly in making PPE for the local healthcare workforce through the Bellingham Makerspace. She has been assessing the needs of the community and getting different organizations the equipment that they need. Mary is very passionate about helping the community and definitely should be recognized for her amazing work!”
Louri Canonizado as nominated by Michael Bankston:
“Since the lockdown started, and - consequently - her entire department at UW moved to work-from-home with ZERO notice, she's been making 'literal' house calls to get everyone settled, situated, and set up correctly, troubleshooting issues, bringing them goodies, and making sure they have everything they want and need to survive the experience, including at least one person in an unused space in her own home. Above and beyond her paygrade by far; she's been busting her butt something fierce to help everyone she can.”
CONTEST ENDED MAY 10
Details: Must be 18 years or older and a resident of Washington State to enter. By providing this information, you may be contacted by Peoples Bank. Your information will not be sold. No purchase necessary. Employees and immediate family are ineligible. To enter the contest: complete and submit the nomination form. Offer expires by midnight (PDT) on Sunday, May 10, 2020. Odds of winning depend on the number of entries. Winners will be selected by a committee on Tuesday, May 12, 2020. You do not need to be a Peoples Bank customer to win. Prizes will be issued in the form of a cashier’s check courtesy of Peoples Bank and may be reportable as income. Please consult your tax advisor. Member FDIC.