Minnesota Lakes Bank went through a customer information system conversion in 2016. During the six-month project, to help build some team spirit in the midst of what was hard work for everyone, employees were granted Casual Jeans Day every Friday. As part of the program, employees pooled a few dollars that were donated to each branch’s favorite community cause.

The MNLB Buffalo and Delano offices made a $285 donation to Wright County as a result of employees’ generosity.

The Wright County donation will go specifically to Buffalo’s “Socks Program,” created a year ago for the needy and homeless.

“I learned during my visit with Kim Johnson, County Financial Services Manager, there is an extreme need for socks for all ages this time of year that has gone unnoticed previously,” explained John Poling, MNLB President. Last year St. Michael Catholic School filled that need, but MNLB is the sole organization to do so this season.

Kim Johnson explained that this charity fills a critical need in the surrounding communities. “With the donations, Wright County staff will purchase the socks, and this is a very rewarding part of what the organization does,” explained Kim. “MNLB’s donation will help buy many socks that are given out on a needs-basis to children and adults.”

During this time of year, Kim sees infants who have only one sock or no socks at all, and the Wright County social services team finds it very heartwarming to send these children and their parents home with new socks.

Employees at the Mound office made their generous donation to WeCAN (Western Communities Action Network), a Mound community nonprofit that empowers and equips families to reach stability and self-sufficiency.

John was very pleased with the outcome of the Jeans Day donations: “These two causes strongly support our mission to make a difference in the lives of the people in the communities we serve.”