Bank of the Islands Makes Thanksgiving Donation to Harlem Heights Foundation

provided to The Santiva Chronicle

Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands has donated $7,500 to The Heights Foundation to provide 300 frozen turkeys to the Harlem Heights community. The donation supported the nonprofit’s Nov. 16 “Celebration of Giving Thanks” event at The Heights Center, which distributed turkeys to feed more than 1,000 area residents this Thanksgiving holiday season.

In addition to the donation, the bank’s staff volunteered to help distribute the frozen turkeys during the center’s Thanksgiving celebration. The community event provided catered meals to more than 450 Harlem Heights residents, along with children’s activities including karate, ice cream and more. As part of the celebration, each family received a frozen turkey and $25 Publix gift card to prepare their Thanksgiving meal at home.

“We’re excited to continue this tradition, which allows families to relax, enjoy a meal together, and connect with their neighbors,” said Kathryn Kelly, President and CEO of The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center. “We’re thankful for the support of companies like Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands that are helping us make the Thanksgiving holiday special for the Heights community.”

This is the third year that The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center has hosted this event. The annual tradition began in 2022 after many families in this community were without functioning kitchens following the impacts of Hurricane Ian. This left many families wondering where their next meal would come from, including their Thanksgiving dinner.

“We are honored to partner with The Heights Foundation for their annual ‘Celebration of Giving Thanks’ event,” said Geoffrey Roepstorff, CEO of Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands. “This year, many families are struggling financially after our area has felt the impacts of two major hurricanes. Our team is proud to give back to these local families and help alleviate some of their financial burdens so they can focus on celebrating this holiday season.”

To learn more about The Heights Foundation and its impact within the Harlem Heights community, visit HeightsFoundation.org.

About Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands
Edison National Bank is Lee County’s oldest locally owned and managed community bank, serving individuals and business owners with offices in Fort Myers, as well as the Bank of the Islands offices on Sanibel and Captiva. Founded in 1997, Edison National Bank is strongly rooted in the community and actively supports civic and charitable causes through both donations and volunteerism. Bank of the Islands is proud to be the winner of more than 50 “Best of the Islands” awards including “Best Island Bank” numerous times. For more information, call 239-466-1800 or visit www.EdisonNationalBank.com or www.BankoftheIslands.com.