Gorham Savings Bank’s “Toy Mountain” thanks to the employees, customers and community members that donated to the 2015 Winter Wishes program

Last week, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine held their annual holiday parties. Through Gorham Savings Bank’s Winter Wishes program and the kindness of the community, hundreds of members of all ages at Clubhouses in Sagamore Village, Riverton Park and downtown Portland have a holiday gift to unwrap.

Each year Southern Maine Clubhouses submit their wish list of requested toys and, in a few short weeks with help from Gorham Savings Bank, the community responds with incredible generosity. Throughout the 2015 Winter Wishes campaign, Gorham Savings Bank employees and customers were greeted by toy requests on hanging snowflakes in the Greater Portland branches and Operations Center.

One by one, customers and employees chose wishes and the new toy donations began piling up. This year a mountain of more than 200 toys gathered in the lobby of Gorham Savings Bank’s Commercial Street branch. Many wishes were sponsored by Gorham Savings Bank’s business customers.

Established by Gorham Savings Bank seven years ago, Winter Wishes has contributed more gifts this season than ever before with a total of 240 donations, just in time for everything to be wrapped for the Boys & Girls Club holiday parties.

As we all know, many Maine families don’t have the means to celebrate the holidays in a way that others take for granted. “Winter Wishes ensures that our local youth, especially those who need Boys & Girls Clubs the most, are remembered during the holiday season by providing hundreds of deserving members with a special holiday gift,” said Bob Clark, Chief Executive Officer of Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine. “We’re exceptionally grateful to Gorham Savings Bank for their continued compassion over the years.”

Chris Emmons, President and Chief Executive Officer of Gorham Savings Bank, noted “I am very proud to be part of an organization that demonstrates strong community values with a staff that initiates efforts to assist our friends and neighbors that sometimes need a helping hand.”