USB Spreads Holiday Cheer

Union State Bank (USB) staff have been making a significant impact this holiday season by supporting local traditions, hosting festive events, and giving back to their friends and neighbors. Their efforts exemplify the spirit of the season and their commitment to fostering joy and connection across the communities they serve.

In Newton, USB staff collected personal care items for local families. Bryan White, Union State Bank’s Market President for Newton, highlighted the generosity of the community. "Our market participated with Health Ministries to collect items for needy families. The items were hats, gloves, coats, and personal hygiene items. We filled up a full box of items for the cause," he shared.

The spirit of giving extended to the Arkansas City and Winfield markets, where employees purchased gifts for children through Angels In The Attic’s Angel Tree program.

“The bank and our staff take great pride in supporting Angels in the Attic’s Angel Tree, knowing the efforts bring joy to children in our community during the Christmas season,” said Brad Bryant, USB Market President for Arkansas City.

Over thirty children were sponsored through the bank this year.

Cory Helmer, Market President for Winfield, noted, "Our staff look forward to being able to assist with buying gifts for children in need so that we all can have a Merry Christmas."

Union State Bank has also embraced the festive season with open houses and cheerful promotions. "We donate to the annual city Christmas event, which includes Santa, a parade, vendor booths, and a chili feed,” said Julie Von Bon, Branch Coordinator for USB’s Udall location. “We also host an open house with cookies made by a local resident and lots of bank giveaways.”

Across all markets, families were thrilled by the return of USB’s Bennie the Bank Elf promotion. Bennie, an inflatable version of one of Santa’s helpers, appeared at bank branches throughout December. While he was on site customers could get their photos taken, receive a gift from Santa’s sack and enter for a chance to win a $500 giveaway.

“We know a little extra cash can go a long way at Christmas, and we were thrilled to spread holiday cheer and brighten the season for one lucky customer,” Bryant said.

The bank has made a point to honor the unique traditions of each community. In Udall, they participated in decorating a light pole for the downtown Christmas display. "We didn’t win the top three, but it’s always fun to see all the other poles decorated," Von Bon shared. The city’s holiday atmosphere is complemented by a park light display and downtown snowflake decorations, which have brought back the charm of a small-town Christmas.

In Winfield, the bank partnered with staff across Cowley County for the town’s Isle of Lights display, volunteering more than fifty hours to help set up and tear down the illuminations and assist at the gate during the event. "Winfield and Arkansas City employees have volunteered their time for display set-up and tear-down for many years. Annually bank employees volunteer to work both shifts each Tuesday night during the Isle of Lights season,” explained Rusty Zimmerman, USB Vice President and Mortgage Lender. “It is a way of giving back during the holiday season, to bring joy and holiday spirit to the community."

The bank’s efforts extended beyond events and decorations. They also contributed to the local food pantry in Winfield through a Chamber Coffee event, asking attendees to bring donations. "In addition to the food items donated by our employees and those in attendance at Chamber Coffee, the bank also provides the food pantry a monetary donation," Helmer shared.

Through their combined efforts, the bank has demonstrated that the true spirit of the season lies in generosity, community, and celebration. From collecting gifts for children to hosting festive events and supporting local initiatives, Union State Bank and its staff have brought joy to their communities during the holidays. As Bryant, said, "It’s not just meaningful work, it’s a heartfelt tradition the team genuinely enjoys being part of."

Founded in 1908, Union State Bank has banking locations serving communities of Arkansas City, Newton, Udall, Winfield and Wichita in Kansas and in Bartlesville and Edmond, Oklahoma. Union State Bank offers a full range of electronic, deposit and cash management services, as well as business and agriculture, commercial real estate, construction, mortgage, residential and consumer loans.