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During difficult times, extending a helping hand to those in need leads to healing. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we aimed to help our communities thrive in more ways than we can count, creating a better way of life in the process.
From supporting local businesses by purchasing gift cards, to displaying #WorldOfHearts support in our windows, to finding innovative new ways to safely serve customers and more, our locations across North Dakota and central Minnesota let communities know everyone was in this together. Our giveback efforts throughout the COVID-19 pandemic included:
A heavy load is best carried together.
That’s why, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we donated more than 30,000 reusable canvas tote bags to public schools within multiple communities we serve. Students used the bags to carry essential learning tools home due to social distancing recommendations surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
Area school systems originally made the request for Gate City Bank’s blue bags when they realized how challenging it would be for students to haul so many supplies home. In addition to easing students’ transition to home learning, Gate City Bank team members remained dedicated to making sure customers had access to their regular services online, as well as relief services during the pandemic.
We could all use a slice of happiness from time to time.
Throughout the pandemic, our team members delivered pizza to essential workers throughout our communities. Whether it was emergency personnel, health care professionals, grocery store employees or others, we wanted to support those working day and night to serve despite the unknowns of the virus. The pizza was a small thank you for all these heroes and their invaluable help.
During COVID-19, we partnered with Heidi Mazigian, a member of Daisy Girl Scouts Troop 83053, to deliver 50 boxes of delicious Girl Scout cookies to in Bismarck, ND.
Heavens Helpers’ cafeteria was temporarily closed during part of the COVID-19 pandemic, so our volunteers worked around the clock to pack to-go lunches for those in need. The Girl Scout cookies were a delicious addition to these meals. A big thank you to Heavens Helpers for all they’ve done to feed the community!
Since the early days of COVID-19, community members were ready to wipe their hands of the pandemic, which is why we donated 1,500 mini spray containers of hand sanitizer to local police officers. The .33-ounce sprays went to the Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo police departments.
Police officers play a crucial role in keeping our communities safe, especially during the COVID-19 outbreak. The sanitizer sprays were just another way we wanted to give back to our communities and help fight the spread of COVID-19.
April showers bring May flowers, and May flowers bring smiles.
On May Day in 2020, Gate City Bank team members in Bismarck delivered 173 floral arrangements – each accompanied by a homemade card – to residents at Edgewood Vista, a local assisted living facility.
Like so many others during the pandemic, these residents had found themselves having to quarantine and practice physical distancing, which sometimes meant they didn’t get to spend as much time with loved ones. The flowers were a great way to lift their spirits.
Encouraging team members to get involved in local organizations they’re passionate about is a key part of our mission and culture. These donated flowers were just one of many examples of the acts of kindness our team members shared with those around them throughout COVID-19.
You don't have to be a Gate City Bank team member to make a difference in our communities! Kimberly Hagen and her friend, Lauralee Tupa, organized, packed and distributed many of our blue tote bags full of treats, cards and other goodies for first responders in the Grand Forks, ND, area.
The idea was the result of a conversation about how they could show appreciation for first responders, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the Grand Forks community was grieving the loss of Officer Cody Holte, and the two women were inspired by how first responders had rallied to offer support for the officer’s family.
Kimberly and Lauralee organized a social media campaign to request donations for gifts. They were humbled by the outpouring of support, including thousands of dollars in cash donations, food and products from individuals and businesses. In addition to the contributions, there were nearly 500 individually hand-signed cards from the Grand Forks community, as well as cards and drawings from daycares in the area and 500 copies of an original poem written for the Grand Forks first responders.
Kimberly and Lauralee realized they needed a way to deliver the amazing donations to each first responder. That's when the pair contacted us. Their request was simple: 50 blue bags. We gave them 500! Team members also spent more than nine hours helping the duo pack gifts before delivering the bags with coffee and food to first responders throughout the Grand Forks area.
Creating a better way of life for our communities is key to our mission, and we were proud to partner with Kimberly and Lauralee to help bring that to the Grand Forks community.
Our work with the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) had a significant impact on businesses in our communities throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This Small Business Administration (SBA) loan program was established as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. It provides small businesses with the resources they need to maintain payroll, hire back employees who may have been laid off and cover applicable overhead.
North Dakota had the highest concentration of PPP funds per private sector worker than any other state during the first round of loans in 2020. During that same period, we processed more loans than any other bank in North Dakota (loans under $150,000). Our efforts resulted in:
With business customers trying to navigate this program, Business Banker Darryl Jorgenson and other team members worked overtime to help them weather the storm.
Whether it was hairdressers, contractors, bartenders or other business owners, Darryl and his fellow team members helped customers create a better way of life. It’s what they did well before the pandemic, and it’s something they’ve done ever since.
“At Gate City Bank, we genuinely just want to help people,” Darryl says. “We love to see them grow.”
Learn how we’ve partnered with Mission of Mercy to bring dental care to low-income patients in need – sponsoring free dental clinics in Bismarck, ND, and Moorhead, MN.
Learn more about how we partnered with YWCA Cass Clay on a supportive housing initiative that promotes an environment of safety, stability and community for women and children who have experienced domestic abuse and poverty.
Learn how our team members have donated $30,000 and countless volunteer hours to a Minot animal shelter, which provides care for furry friends both locally and throughout North Dakota.
Learn more about how we donated $10,000 so that an annual nonprofit fashion show (which has become incredibly popular in the local community) could continue virtually amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
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