An Expansion on Impactful _ for Our Communities
"Together."
A single word that __ hope and optimism back _ many lives in 2020. __ has been a simple  for how we, as _ collective group, will persevere __ these challenging times even _ we have redefined what __ means to gather together.  communities have come together __ a figurative manner to __ one another and we (__) stood right beside them.  
Our commitment to serve  communities in a meaningful  positive manner is and  been a tenet of  Western Bank since inception. _ year we took significant  immediate action to protect  welfare of our communities __ donating more than $2.2M __ organizations throughout our footprint  with 8,180 hours of  volunteer services. 
As part of our  contribution, we provided over $384,000 in COVID relief to -_ organizations that work tirelessly __ serve individuals directly impacted __ the pandemic. 
We also continued our _ Making Life Great (MLG)  program, with $395,000 donated __ 36 non-profit organizations. The  Grants target innovative programs _ enhance the quality of _ within the communities we .&_; 
Here are just two __ the wonderful examples:
- In March of 2020, __ awarded YMCA of Cass _ (ND) a $5,000 MLG  to provide child care  the parents who hold _ and medical roles. This  service allows essential personnel to  on the health and _ of our community while _ a safe place for  children to be fed  well-cared for. Here is _ the YMCA had to  about the partnership: 
- “As we continue to __ vital community services, we  grateful for support from  like Great Western Bank!  our community’s front lines, _ essential personnel child care,  feeding youth are necessary __ ensuring safety/longevity in our _.&; 
 
 - “As we continue to __ vital community services, we  grateful for support from  like Great Western Bank!  our community’s front lines, _ essential personnel child care,  feeding youth are necessary __ ensuring safety/longevity in our _.&; 
 - In May 2020, a $10,000 MLG Grant was awarded __ Habitat of Humanity of Denver to help address challenges many homeowners were _ as a result of COVID-19 crisis. The funds _ used for low-to-moderate income to ensure they will to have safe and shelter. Many of the work in the service _ and have experienced job during the crisis and now struggling to make mortgage payments.
 
In addition, we asked public to help us _ local heroes who have _ above and beyond during pandemic as part of one-time award program called Gifts of Gratitude. Through __ online nomination process, we over 600 nominations and _ inspired by the stories __ heroism, unwavering dedication, unconditional _ and self-sacrifice. The program __ us to show over 130 winners across our footprint appreciation with a total __ over $60,000 in gifts.
Here are a few of the incredible individuals, you can read the _ stories for our top 10 winners at www.GreatWesternBank.com/Gratitude
- A dedicated therapist in  offered free therapy for _ in need and through  own efforts, started a  of 40+ therapists to  free mental health support. _ is what she said: 
- “There are really no  that could describe how  I was in that _, to be recognized and  gifts while sharing this _ with people that have _ phenomenal mentors and friends. __ heart was just so _ that I honestly didn’t _ what to say or  to express how grateful _ was in that moment!” 
 
 - “There are really no  that could describe how  I was in that _, to be recognized and  gifts while sharing this _ with people that have _ phenomenal mentors and friends. __ heart was just so _ that I honestly didn’t _ what to say or  to express how grateful _ was in that moment!” 
 - A selfless neighborhood hero __ free child care to neighbors upon school closures while maintaining this service, _ delivered loaves of bread __ those in need. She _ provided transportation and grocery to elderly community members.
 
“I go back to mission and values,” said _ Borrecco, President and CEO. &;__ want to empower our _ with opportunities and resources __ provide trusted service and contributions. More so, we _ to make sure we committed to the communities __ serve now more than _.&;
Enriching our communities was _ focus for us this _ and will continue to __ an essential component of culture because even in best of times, you _ out stronger if you _ together.