First State Bank holds PALS pet supply fundraiser

      Becki Williams, left, customer service representative at First State Bank in Montezuma, is joined by Curtis Bolen, branch manager, after the two donated nearly 300 pounds of pet supplies and treats along with an assortment of cleaning supplies and cash donations to Poweshiek Animal League Shelter (PALS) near Grinnell on Dec. 28. The Montezuma location of First State Bank held the fundraiser in an effort to be more community-minded and give the animals in the shelter extra treats and goodies during the Christmas holiday. Submitted photo.

​By J.O. Parker
 
       Thanks to the generosity of Montezuma and area residents, the furry friends at Poweshiek Animal League Shelter (PALS) near Grinnell enjoyed extra treats and goodies during the Christmas holiday.
        Curtis Bolen, branch manager and Becki Williams, customer service representative at First State Bank in Montezuma, delivered nearly 300 pounds of donated pet supplies and cleaning products to PALS on Dec. 28.
       Supplies included dog and cat food and treats, cat litter, cat and dog toys, cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, dish soap, bleach and paper towels.
       “We even got a couple cat houses donated,” said Williams.
       The pet supply drive was held from Dec. 1 – Dec. 20.
       Two Montezuma business partnered with the bank on the outreach. Monte Nutrition held a fundraiser drive in connection with the pet supply drive, raising $120, which was given to PALS along with the pet supplies. Vivarium also had a donation box and paw prints on the business Christmas tree for people to take and donate to a certain animal at the shelter.
     “Your generosity makes a real difference for pets in need, and we’re so proud to support our community together,” said Williams.
       Williams said the bank held the pet supply drive in an effort to be more involved with the communities the bank serves. First State Bank has locations in Montezuma, Brooklyn, Grinnell, New Sharon, Lynnville, Sully and Agency.
      “This is something we are going to want to do yearly,” said Williams. “I have a dog and a lot of my co-workers have pets and to be able to give an extra treat to a dog or cat in a shelter was a great blessing.”