Just under 290 local families received a Thanksgiving surprise this year when 202 gift certificates ranging from $50 to $100, 15 Thanksgiving meals, and 67 turkeys were delivered to families within the community.  “Tears of joy and appreciation were flowing when we distributed these Thanksgiving gifts,” says First National Bank in Trinidad Sr. Vice President, Mrs. Roberta Noel.  Mrs. Noel organized the food drive for the bank, where within 20 days, $8,195 in cash donations were collected for area families in need.

Also assisting with the program were main bank employees, Jennifer Apodaca, Rhiannon Montoya and Geraldine Trujillo.  Employees at the Huerfano County Branch Bank in Walsenburg were also helpful in collecting donations.  “Being mindful of the spread of COVID, we decided to give families gift cards to help with grocery needs,” says Mrs. Noel.  “This year the need was especially great with the challenge to cover food costs with rising inflation.  One family had just lost their mother, another father’s hours were cut at work, and some grandparents are caring for their grandchildren.”

“Many families were so overwhelmed, they could not find the words to express their gratitude,” says Mrs. Noel.  “We’ve sponsored this food drive for eighteen years now, but this year was especially difficult.  The need was so great, but the generosity of the people, businesses and organizations in this community is unbelievable!” 

This year was also different with the recent passing of Mr. James Hamilton, past President of the National Wild Turkey Federation local chapter.  For eighteen consecutive years, the chapter donated to The First National Bank in Trinidad’s Thanksgiving Food Drive.  “We would like to recognize Mr. Hamilton’s annual support on behalf of the NWTF local chapter, and offer our sincere condolences.”

Mrs. Noel, on behalf of The First National Bank in Trinidad, says in closing, “Thank you to everyone who donated, and to the volunteers who helped deliver the Thanksgiving gifts.  You have come together to do a good thing . . . by giving for Thanksgiving!”