America’s Promise At CCB
Helps Local School Libraries
(12/26/2008)

Every year during the month of September, CCB’s (Cattaraugus County Bank) America’s Promise (AP) team holds a “Back to School” drive at all of their locations to help provide area school children with supplies they may need, but cannot afford. This year, in the midst of the drive, Joni Simcick (CCB VP and Chair of the bank’s AP team) received a telephone call from a former area resident who wanted to donate. The woman had read or heard about the efforts of CCB’s team and wanted to donate. However, living far away from the area now posed a problem with getting items she would purchase to CCB. Simcick was asked if someone on the team would buy items if she sent a check. “Certainly” was the response as all of the employees on the AP team are very willing to help in any way and would not turn down any donation.

“It was weeks later when I received a check,” states Joni Simcick. “I was shocked that the amount of the check was $500! That’s a wonderful donation from a very generous person. I decided to keep it and discuss this sizable amount with the whole team at our next meeting. The team voted and all agreed that it would be great to divide the amount and give $250 to both the Little Valley and Cattaraugus campus elementary libraries at Cattaraugus-Little Valley Central School (CLVCS). The funds will purchase children’s books, chosen directly by the kids. There will be a label in each book that notes it was donated by CCB’s America’s Promise team in memory of a student that attended CLVCS (from whose scholarship fund the money came).”

CCB joined America’s Promise in 1999. By doing so, an alliance was formed to ensure 5 resources children need are provided:

An ongoing relationship with a caring adult-mentor;
Access to safe places & structured activities during non-school hours;
A healthy start;
A marketable skill through effective education;
An opportunity to give back through community service.

CCB is an FDIC insured New York State chartered independent, community bank. From January 2, 1902, CCB has established an unprecedented record of fiscal integrity and sound financial growth, which now totals over 145 million in assets. CCB maintains convenient ATMs and can be found on the web at www.ccblv.com. CCB is an equal housing lender. CCB’s main office is located in Little Valley, with eight branch offices.