B.N.B.’s 20 Grand Donation

    Bridgehampton National Bank’s Apple campaign culminated on Friday with the distribution of money to food pantries throughout the market the bank serves. At a ceremony at the bank’s main office in Bridgehampton, pantries in that hamlet, East Hampton, Southampton, Springs, and Sag Harbor each received a $1,000 check. Maureen’s Haven, which helps the homeless on the East End, received a check for $2,000.

    This represents just part of the $20,000 donated by bank customers, employees, and the company. In addition, distributions were made to pantries from Deer Park and Hauppauge to Greenport and Montauk.

    “The economic stresses have not eased for many people, and the past few storms have compounded the needs. Helping those people in our communities who struggle is part of what we believe community banking is all about,” said Kevin M. O’Connor, president and C.E.O. of Bridgehampton National Bank.

    The Apple program began several years ago with a conversation initiated by representatives of the East Hampton Food Pantry. They suggested the apple as a means of recognizing donations. The bank took the program, an annual holiday tradition that runs through the end of January, to all of its 22 branches across Suffolk County. In addition to the financial gift, branch staff members collect nonperishable foods during the months of November, December, and January, which are also distributed to local pantries.