NORWAY – Norway Savings Bank employees assist the communities they serve. Throughout the year, the bank has contributed thousands of dollars to local charities throughout the state.

Annually, employees raise money for two charities through an annual holiday basket raffle. The tradition originally began in the Norway branch but spread bank wide. The employees of each branch or department donated items to fill a themed basket to be raffled for two charities.

For three weeks, the basement of the Norway office was filled with baskets for employees to view and on which to purchase tickets. Some of the basket themes included “Red Sox Nation,” “Breakfast in Bed” and “Picture Perfect.” The 23 baskets raised $1,677, which was donated to the Bruce Roberts Toy Fund and the American Cancer Society.

Employees donate to charities throughout the year. Many Norway, Oxford and South Paris branch employees donate $1 every week from their paycheck to the Hometown Friends program. This year, $3,000 was collected and given to Right Start and Community Concepts to purchase gifts for needy children throughout Oxford County.

The bank has also found ways to incorporate its customers into the fundraising efforts through the Christmas is for Kids Campaign. All branch locations sell $1 bears to raise money for the campaign. Proceeds are used to buy toys for needy children in western and southern Maine during the holiday season.

Selling the bears has become a competition among the branches. The Naples branch led the bear sales with $2,137, contributing to the $7,410 collected over a five-week period. This is the third consecutive year that Naples has been the highest selling branch.

For more information, visit http://www.norwaysavingsbank.com/.