Caption: Charles River Bank Marketing and Retail Banking Support Representative Catrina Lopes, Salvation Army Major Dave Irwin and Charles River Bank President and CEO Jack Hamilton display a selection of the hundreds of toys donated this year by the bank to the Salvation Army’s Adopt-A-Family Program.

Charles River Bank shared in the Christmas spirit this year through their partnership with the Milford Salvation Army’s Adopt-A-Family Program. The bank adopted 45 children, and through the generosity of the bank’s employees and customers, all 45 received many items on their wish lists including bikes, roller blades, dolls and coats. Marketing and Retail Banking Support Representative Catrina Lopes organized the yearly tradition for the bank by getting the children’s lists from the Salvation Army and making sure each child was adopted and received what they asked for.

Charles River Bank President and CEO Jack Hamilton stated, “Our local community members show time and time again what it means to come together for the greater good. The amount of toys and clothing purchased for these children is astounding. We are happy to partner with the Salvation Army for this wonderful program, and seeing the generosity of our employees and community members reminds me of why we do this every year.”

The Adopt-A-Family program aims to help local families who have fallen on hard times make Christmas a special time for their children. Parents submit a wish-list for their children detailing their first name, age, gender, clothing sizes and some games and toys they would like to receive. Local businesses and community groups adopt a certain number of children then donors select a wish-list and purchase the items requested.

“The holiday season is a time when we depend on community support the most in order to bring Christmas to those in need. The joy in the eyes of a child when they receive a toy, the relief on the face of a parent when there is food for the family, the smile of the homeless person as they receive food and clothes and the gratitude someone expresses for help with a utility bill or rent . . . these are priceless gifts that the local community helps make possible,” said Major Jessie Irwin of the Milford Salvation Army.