Horizon Bank representatives Chad Nastoff (left) and Tom Rowland (right) stand with Angels of Action Director Kim Easler with the backpacks donated to the Big Rapids nonprofit in support of local children and families.
Pioneer photo/Olivia FellowsBIG RAPIDS — Horizon Bank recently donated over 100 backpacks to Angels of Action which utilizes them for back-to-school charitable events and stuffed backpack giveaways to local families in need.
Horizon Bank branch manager Chad Nastoff and market president Tom Rowland were present for the donation March 14 at Angels of Action.
“I really love what Angels does in the community,” Nastoff said. “To be able to give back all these backpacks to them for all the kids (who) can't get a backpack really means a lot to me. I have got three kids who will be in school this year, and I know one thing they're always excited about is their new backpacks. To be able to provide that (feeling) to a lot of kids in the community is great.
“I also want to thank Carlleen Rose with the Old Pioneer Store and Emporium,” he said. “She noticed we were doing the backpack drive and she was able to get me in touch with a contact at Walmart. With her help, we were able to purchase over 100 backpacks.”
Horizon Bank has done several donation projects, including supporting Habitat for Humanity, the Big Rapids Downtown Business Association, local playground beautification and CranHill Ranch family days.
The bank was also named Volunteer of the Year in January by the Big Rapids Downtown Business Association.
Angels of Action Director Kim Easler said the donation will benefit more than just their organization.
“This is incredible and was such a nice surprise from the bank. We kind of figured we'd maybe get a handful or a dozen backpacks, but we've come out with a couple of 100 here for this backpack drive. It's awesome, and we're just truly appreciative," Easler said. “We'll hold a couple of events this summer to do back-to-school things."
The organization also partnered with Ferris State University and Central Michigan Recovery and Education Network for a backpack drive, which ran from Feb. 15 to March 2, to support Angels of Action and the Jonah Foundation through the help of a grant.
The collection of backpacks will be spread among other charitable nonprofit organizations in Mecosta and Osceola counties to reach as many families as possible.
Easler said providing backpacks helps provide kids with positive experiences in early education.
“It's a scary time for a lot of kids, and it's a nervous time,” Easler said. “They're going to be walking into brand new classrooms and a brand new year and having new experiences. I think being able to walk in even with a new pair of shoes and a new backpack just helps gives them a confidence booster. It just helps them feel good amongst their peers. It's just so fun to be able to help provide this stuff because of people like Chad (Nastoff) and the bank.”
Rowland said being able to be a part of the community through giving back is important to the Big Rapids Horizon branch.
“Horizon Bank is here to be part of the community,” Rowland said. “It's very important to us, that we give back to the community and this is just to show our appreciation for the community, and it's what we want to be doing and what we will continue to do.”
