Citizens National Bank presents grant money to community organizations

Citizens National Bank gave out checks yesterday to local non-profit organizations.

“It was a big day. It was a great day. It’s always a great day when you can give away almost $200,000 a year in two parts, on behalf of the Baird Charitable Trust,” said the bank’s CEO, Archie McDonnell.

The trust was started in 1978 by William Robert Baird with less than $200,000. Today the trust is worth more than $4.8 million.

Seventeen organizations received the grant money during a ceremony at the bank’s downtown building.

“The funds we receive from the Baird Trust helps our families at the shelter. Families that come in still have the responsibilities of everyday life. Baird trust helps us to do things with our clients like car repair, school uniforms, work uniforms,” said Care Lodge Executive Director Leslie Payne.

“We’re so grateful for any donation. This one is significant to our operations. We’re able to help many more people throughout the year. We’re not in Meridian just at Christmas. We’re here all year round. The need is here consistently. We shelter people every night. We feed people,” said Salvation Army of Meridian Major Glenn Riggs.

McDonnell said the event was an example of the bank’s mission to empower the local.

“They’re the feeding hands that do the work that sometimes others either can’t or don’t want to do. So, we’re proud of all these organizations and proud of being able to support them.”

Other organizations that received grant money include: Multi-County Community Service Agency, L.O.V.E.’s Kitchen, Lauderdale County Habitat for Humanity, Mississippi Special Olympics, Lauderdale County Habitat for Humanity, Greater New Orleans Foundation, Boys Scouts of America (Disadvantaged Campers Fund), Catholic Charities, the American Red Cross Southeast Chapter, The Salvation Army of Meridian, The Boys and Girls Club of East Mississippi, Hope Village for Children, The Free Clinic of Meridian, New Destiny Daycare & Learning Academy, and Meridian Freedom Project.