• Pick up a stocking from First Bank of Wyoming.

First Bank in Afton is spreading Christmas cheer in a big way this year with their second annual “Stockings for Seniors” program. Aiming to brighten the holiday season for local senior citizens, the program has grown exponentially in its second year, serving 104 seniors in the Upper Valley—up from 60-70 last year.

Since August, in partnership with Lisa Miller at the Salt River Senior Center, First Bank has put together an anonymous list of seniors in the Upper Valley who are most in need of a holiday stocking.

Hope Bell with First Bank calls the program and those who fill stockings a “Christmas Miracle”. She shared strong love and emotion as she spoke about customers and community members who come in to participate in giving back to those who may otherwise not have family and extra support this time of the year. Hope, who previously worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at a living center, has seen firsthand how difficult it can be for seniors who have fixed incomes and those who may lack family support, especially during the holidays.

How to participate:

The program continues to welcome community involvement. Empty stockings can be picked up at the Afton First Bank. Each will come with a description of the senior it is assigned to and ideas of items that could be included to “fill” the stocking. Items do not have to fit inside the stocking. They can be in a bag, box, wrapped or unwrapped. Bell has volunteered to help with any wrapping that may need to be done for items gifted. Some ideas include large print puzzle books, lap blankets and hot drink packets.

Afton First Bank Branch Manager, Cole Helm praises Bell and the entire staff at First Bank as he shared his support for the program saying, “It’s a way for us to help those who need a little boost this time of year… It’s just fun, overall and is a great thing to do for the community.”

For more information about the “Stockings for Seniors” program, visit First Bank in Afton.