First Financial Bank of Mahomet, alongside other First Financial Bank branches in Champaign County are currently collecting toys to be distributed to Mahomet-Seymour students for the holidays.
Mahomet Banking Center Manager Gretchen Miller said the bank, which serves all of Champaign County, is hosting a toy drive this year. With a growing market in Mahomet, and knowing students’ needs in the Village first hand, Miller presented the idea of giving the toys to Mahomet-Seymour for the 2016 Christmas season.
“We wanted to make a difference in this community because we realize it’s a growing community and we wanted to show our support of the community,” Miller said. “I happen to know several teachers very well, and I don’t think the average person realizes that we have needs in this community. Our community is a generous and giving community. I knew that if people were aware there was a need, they would respond very generously.”
Mahomet, has a 22-percent (655 students) free and reduced lunch population.
“The needs grow each year,” Miller said. “Our enrollment grows, new houses are being built, but there’s still a need in the district. We not only support the need, but the need needs to be known.”
Donations can be dropped off at any First Financial Bank location (202A Eastwood Dr.,
Mahomet, 1205 South Neil Street, Champaign, 2510 South Philo Road, Urbana, 1611 South Prospect Avenue, Champaign,) or at the Mahomet IGA until December 2. First Financial Bank will also accept cash donations, which will go directly to the school system to purchase toys.
The bank asks that gifts are not wrapped before drop-off.
