CHRISTMAS IS the season of giving. Family and friends gather to share food, gifts, and precious time that will create life-long memories. Christmas also offers the opportunity to give back, making the holiday merry and bright for those who might otherwise be unable to enjoy the seasonal festivities.
The Bank of Lincoln County understands that the joy of giving continues long after the Christmas holiday. In their more than 20 years of serving Lincoln County’s people, they have repeatedly proven that giving back can occur year-round.
Since opening its doors in 2002, the bank has made a name for itself by being the only home owned and home operated bank in Lincoln County. Additionally, over the last 21 years, they have worked tirelessly to meet the financial needs of their customers while serving the community through numerous avenues and causes.
One day at a time, they’re helping their customers reach their financial goals and dreams and working to make the Lincoln County community a better place to live.
“Giving back has always been part of the DNA of our leadership and our bank,” stated Bank of Lincoln County CEO Gay Dempsey. “My father has been in banking for over 60 years, and he has instilled in me and in our staff the importance of not only giving monetarily but also of giving our own time and gifts. Every bank can offer the same general services, but what makes the Bank of Lincoln County different is that we truly want to make a difference in the lives of our staff, our customers, and our community.”
Annually, the bank provides funding, sponsorships, donations, and volunteers to local organizations and nonprofits such as the Humane Society, Camp Blount, Hands of Mercy, Clothe Our Kids, Always En-dure, and Junior’s House.
The Bank of Lincoln County is also a staple in all of the local school systems, celebrating student achievement by supporting academics, band, athletics, theatre, robotics, and school organizations, such as 4-H, Future Farmers of America, and Future Business Leaders of America. The bank supports Lincoln County Schools, Fayetteville City Schools, and Riverside Christian Academy.
The institution’s community outreach also extends to supporting the arts through a local theatre group, the Carriage House Players; the Fayetteville Arts Center; and the Fayetteville Lincoln County Museum. The Bank of Lincoln County has faithfully supported the Friends of the Fayetteville Lincoln County Public Library.
For over 20 years, more than 100 local organizations have benefited from the helping hands at the Bank of Lincoln County, and that list only continues to grow.
“For me, it is truly who we are; therefore, our hashtag is #bolcgives,” Dempsey explained. “One of my favorite quotes is by Winston Churchill, ‘You make a living by what you get, but you make a life by what you give.’ I have found this to be true in my own life, and I can honestly say that if you are having a bad day or a difficult season in life, go and help someone else. You will be amazed at how it will change your outlook and lift your spirits.”
Dempsey added that it is vital that the Bank of Lincoln County not only gives monetarily to the community but also through time and volunteer efforts.
“As a bank, each employee is given three ‘Serve Days’ each year to use at their discretion,” she explained. “They may use them all at once or a day at a time, and they choose many different things, such as mission trips, serving at a local nonprofit, or serving at a school. Our bank plays a vital role in leading the way in so many community endeavors. I cannot tell you how many people come to me first for a project and use our involvement as a catalyst to begin. We do support financially, but several of our staff members serve on local and state boards and coach youth teams. Serving together builds community and relationships, and I believe that the Bank of Lincoln County does this very well.”
As a new year is welcomed, along with new hopes and dreams for what the year will bring, Dempsey and her dedicated staff at the Bank of Lincoln County will continue making Lincoln County grow and prosper.
“We live, work, worship, and play in Fay-etteville and Lincoln County just like our neighbors,” she said. “We want to do everything we can to enhance the quality of life and make this a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. We are going to do everything we can to make that happen, whether it is investing in our schools’ athletic, academic, STEM, or fine arts programs; local nonprofits; service organizations; small businesses; or local industries.” GN
