MarkleBank Vice President Andy Marshall (left) and Presdient and CEO Greg Smith (center) present Master's Pantry representative Brian James a check for the Master's Pantry food bank in Markle. Photo provided. Photo provided.

In light of the current economic climate, MarkleBank decided this year to forego the Christmas luncheons it has held in the past few years in Wells and Huntington counties.

Instead, MarkleBank used the money that was budgeted for those parties, $6,500, and made donations to local food banks and other charities.

Local groups that were given $1,000 each include Master's Pantry in Markle, Love in the Name of Christ in Huntington and the Warren Food Pantry.

The other charities who received donations include the Wells County Food Bank, which received $750; Panos Free Clinic in Bluffton, $750; the Fort Wayne Rescue Mission, $1,000; and the Harvest House in Van Buren, $1,000.

MarkleBank has seven branch locations, including three in Huntington County.