(Branson, MO) – A year of collecting donations from the staff at Branson Bank has paid off in a big way for one local organization. The Crisis Center was chosen by the Branson Bank Staff to be the recipient of their annual ‘Sweet Traditions’ Christmas Project.

Every Friday, staff members of Branson Bank have the opportunity to dress casually in nice jeans and sneakers in exchange for a $5.00 donation to their Casual For A Cause Fund. As the year progresses, the funds grow and they are set aside specifically to go towards a Christmas Project.  The staff suggests and votes on an organization that will receive the funds.

“It is a blessing to see how small donations can make a big difference in our community,” said Dean Harmon, Executive Vice President. “We are thrilled to see such a deserving organization benefit from the Casual For A Cause Donation Fund and we hope the Crisis Center has a very Merry Christmas.”

 On Tuesday, December 13^th, Branson Bank staff and family members hauled laundry baskets full of gifts for 20 families currently housed by the Crisis Center.  A meal from Danna’s BBQ was prepared and plain sugar cookies were provided by Grandma Ruth’s Bakery so that all those in attendance could decorate their very own Christmas Sugar Cookie.  Gifts were distributed and the evening ended with a final check presentation for over $600.00 awarded to the Crisis Center on behalf of the staff of Branson Bank.

 “During a time of economic crisis when our funding is being cut, it is a huge blessing to us to have this offering of support from Branson Bank,” said Becky Vermeire, Executive Director of the Women’s Crisis Center of Taney County.” We commend them for acknowledging the need in Taney County and then putting that acknowledgment into action. Especially at Christmas time, women and children in our shelter need to know that the community stands behind them. Thank you so much for making this a reality.”