Two local communities will benefit from Gift Tree programs sponsored by The First National Bank in Trinidad and the Huerfano County Branch in Walsenburg. Each location has its own gift program with matching deadlines. Here are the details on each.
The Huerfano County Branch is planning their North Pole Gift Tree for the holidays once again, in cooperation with the Huerfano County Social Services Agency, Council of Governments, Walsenburg Housing Authority and Spanish Peaks Veterans Community Living Center. Last year they brightened the lives of numerous children who wrote to Santa requesting baby dolls, toy trucks and cars, warm gloves and hats to name a few items, as well as requests from residents of the Spanish Peaks Veterans Community Living Center.
Community Gives Generously to Thanksgiving Food Drive
This year, 177 individuals received a Thanksgiving surprise when gift cards were delivered to families within the community. “Tears of joy and appreciation were flowing when we distributed these Thanksgiving gifts,” says First National Bank event coordinator, Jordyn Guzzo. Within 14 days, $7,600 in cash donations were collected for area families in need. Safeway in Trinidad was very helpful with issuing gift cards to ensure the recipients received them in time to shop for a holiday meal.
First National Bank Plans Open House Events and 2026 Calendar Distribution
During this time of year, you can be certain that temperatures drop, leaves fall, days get shorter, and The First National Bank in Trinidad is busy making final preparations for its 40th annual open house and calendar distribution. The 2026 calendar will be available on a first come, first served basis at the open house set for Friday, December 5th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the main bank in Trinidad, Huerfano County Branch in Walsenburg, and at the Loan Production Office in Raton. The 2026 calendar is distributed as a free gift to the community while supplies last and features Saturday Evening Post images by Norman Rockwell.
COSTUME CONTEST WINNERS
Eighty-one Trinidad merchants participated in this year’s Safe Trick-or-Treats for Kids on Friday, October 31st from 3 to 5 p.m. Participating businesses also took place in voting for their favorite costumes for the costume contest sponsored by The First National Bank in Trinidad. Each participating merchant was given 10 “voting tokens” to award to their favorite costumed trick-or-treaters as they visited their establishments. Trick-or-treaters who received tokens returned to The First National Bank lobby at 5 p.m. for a tally of the “votes”. The top four costume contest winners received prizes donated by local businesses, which included trophies, award ribbons, free swim passes to Raton Regional Aquatic Center, Tri Peaks Theatre movie passes, free passes from Skateland, along with other toys and prizes sponsored by The First National Bank in Trinidad.