***Press Release***
EFFINGHAM, ILLINOIS- February 22, 2018- The Midland States Bank Foundation today announced a contribution of $12,500 to local organizations in Effingham, Illinois to support community assistance programs. The organizations include the Effingham County Cultural Center and Museum and the Crisis Nursery of Effingham County.
The Midland States Bank Foundation was created to provide improvements for the general welfare, education and health in the communities where the bank operates and where its employees reside. Since its creation in 2011, the Foundation has contributed more than $750,000 to non-profit organizations throughout Midland’s footprint.
“Five years ago we began a plan to set aside a portion of the Bank’s profits to be allocated through our Midland States Bank Foundation to various community organizations,” commented Leon Holschbach, CEO of Midland States Bancorp, Inc. “It is a powerful way for us to live up to our “Great strength. More heart.” commitment. I am very pleased to see this effort continue today throughout of footprint.”
The Effingham County Cultural Center and Museum received a $2,500 contribution to help preserve and enhance the historic 1872 Effingham County Courthouse, considered to be an “architectural gem”. The Effingham County Cultural Center and Museum Association as founded on the desire to promote interpretive culture and history as a means of increasing public awareness about the history of Effingham County.
“During 2018, the Effingham County Museum will continue with its current programming, which showcases the rich heritage of Effingham County. Effective programming, of course, is dependent on having a physical environment which is attractive to visitors,” commented Delaine Donaldson, Effingham County Museum President. “The donation from Midland States Bank will be applied to special physical needs to enhance the appearance. Since the Museum opened to the public in 2012, the Midland States Bank support has been critical to the success of the Museum. For that support, the Museum is extremely grateful.”
The Crisis Nursery of Effingham County received 10,000 to support the organization’s operational needs. The Crisis Nursery was created as an emergency shelter for children 6 years of age and younger. The Nursery is open 24/7 and helps to protect children from trauma, abuse and neglect through its free services offered to children and families in need.
“With this years grant, Midland States Bank has sponsored 10 full 24 hour days of operation this year! Our operational budget covers everything from staffing costs to childcare supplies, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. For us, that’s an enormous amount of support and one we are incredibly thankful for as we move through our first year of operation,” said Meghan Rewers, Executive Director of Crisis Nursery. “Since we opened our doors on March 10, 2017, our Nursery has served 117 children, we have had 1,166 admissions and provided over 8,132 hours of care to children in need. Crisis Nursery of Effingham County could not exist without support like that of the Midland Foundation grant.”
***Press release and photos courtesy of Midland States Bank.