BUCKHANNON – The Upshur County community is one where neighbors support neighbors, year-round.

Peoples Bank of Buckhannon and members of the Upshur County Firefighters Association gathered Wednesday to celebrate a donation from Peoples Bank to the Upshur County Safety Expo, scheduled for August 2023.

Peoples Bank Personal Banker Amanda Watson made the connection between the local branch and the Firefighters Association through regular business practices and soon found herself as the Secretary and Treasurer of the organization.

This donation was made possible through the Peoples Bank 120 Acts of Kindness, an initiative to give back to the communities the bank has served for over 120 years.

“The idea is to always be involved in the community and give back to the community,” said Richard Kump, branch manager of Peoples Bank in Buckhannon. “With having the connection that Amanda has [to the Upshur County Firefighters Association], it’s a great opportunity for us to help out and spread [support] across not only an individual department but across the county.”

Tyvonne Gibson, president of the Upshur County Firefighters Association, explained that funds raised throughout the year by the association will benefit the youth of Upshur County in a variety of capacities. Materials – such as backpacks, water bottles, and other goodies – can be purchased with such funds for children to take home with them at the conclusion of the annual Upshur County Safety Expo.

Similar to the 2022 Safety Expo, next year’s event will feature attendance from Upshur’s finest first responders in various departments: Upshur EMS, Buckhannon Fire Department, Buckhannon Police Department, county fire departments and more special guests.

“We want to thank Peoples Bank,” said Gibson. “In order to put on this event every year, it takes lots of donations [to make it happen].”