Lakeland Bank workers, customers participate in gift program

OAK RIDGE — Lakeland Bank branch locations will continue the company's Share-A-Gift tradition during the holiday season.

All branches will partner with local charities by collecting gifts to support members of the community who need extra support and cheer during the holiday season. Each branch will select a special charity that is important to their community.

“The Share-A-Gift program has become a tradition for our colleagues and customers of all ages,” said Thomas J. Shara, president and chief executive of Lakeland Bank. “It’s heartwarming to see how the community comes together to bring cheer to others coping with difficult situations.”

Colleagues will decorate Share-A-Gift trees with special ornaments that provide details about a gift recipient. Each ornament has a tag with information about a holiday wish for someone in need of some extra help this year. The recipient may be a young child, teenager, single parent, or an elderly citizen.

Customers who would like to participate can take an ornament and return to the branch with a gift for the individual described on the ornament tag. Each Lakeland Bank office will collect the donated presents and then distribute the gifts through local charity organizations.

Last year, more than 1,400 gifts were collected at Lakeland Bank headquarters and branches for charities such as Urban Renewal Homeless Shelter, St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, Pass It Along, Knights of Columbus, St. Peter’s Orphanage, United Way, Salvation Army, DYFS, Angel’s Attic, Junior Women’s Club, Sussex Help Center, The Boys and Girls Club of Paterson & Passaic and Toys for Tots.

“Every year we see the level of generosity increase and we thank everyone for their contributions and support this year,” Shara said.