Employees of Iowa’s TS Bank visited Children’s Square in Council Bluffs, Iowa, last week to deliver gifts to over 45 boys and girls ages 8 to 17.
Children’s Square is an emergency shelter and place of refuge for children who are in need of out-of-home placement.
All donations for this event are made possible by bank employees. Employees also donate board games and movies to be shared in the campus cottages.
The annual event was inspired by the personal experience of CEO Josh Guttau and wife, who adopted their oldest daughter from Children’s Square. Each year, the Guttau family encourages TS Bank employees to spread the word about the increased need for foster care and to consider giving the gift of a home to kids at Children’s Square or other area shelters.
For many employees this is more than a tradition or annual event, it is a calling to their personal passions and interests.
“Christmas is the season of giving; nothing is more fulfilling than to share the joy with others,” stated Accounting Specialist, Lynne Nowlin. “It is a very humbling experience, and I love that my kids look forward to this event every year as well.”
Additionally, employees of the Treynor-based TS Bank are given 52 volunteer hours annually to use in their local community. Being other-oriented and displaying enduring integrity are key parts of TS Bank’s company core values. Giving back time is one of the ways this is achieved.
“Volunteering is something everyone can do to give back to their community,” said Administrative Assistant Michelle Rochleau. “There are no special skills required to volunteer, other than a giving heart and desire to make the world a better place. What better way to give back than to make a difference in the life of a child.”