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Why We Love Local

We believe local businesses are the key to maintaining vibrant, healthy communities. Local establishments promote interaction between friends and neighbors from the grocery store on the corner to the coffee shop downtown. Small businesses bring unique character to our communities and create jobs for those who want to work close to home. 

As a community bank owned by Nebraskans, we are devoted to donating to local causes, sponsoring area activities, and participating in community events. Our employees are local people who realize the value of giving back to their communities through volunteerism.

At Riverstone Bank, we love local and do our best to support local people and businesses! We are proud to reinvest in our local communities through loans that support area business owners, ag operations, and families.

 


Gift of Love Program

What started as a “Dress A Doll” contest has grown into so much more…Riverstone Bank’s annual Gift of Love Program.

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2023 Program Dates

  • November 2, (5-7pm): Gift of Love Kickoff 
  • November 1 – December 31: Donations of NEW kids’ coats accepted at both Scottsbluff and Gering branches
  • November 34 – December 6: Names available for choosing from Tree of Names at either the Scottsbluff or Gering branches
  • December 6: All gifts need to be returned to Riverstone Bank
  • December 1:  Canned food pickups and weighing (December 1st will be added if needed)
  • December 9: (9 a.m. – 2 p.m.): Truck of Love! Accepting donations of new and gently used toys and coats in the Scottsbluff Branch parking lot, as well as canned food and cash donations

Four Components 

Tree of Names

In the lobby of both Scottsbluff and Gering branches we have trees that have “wish lists” of local children, we ask all that can to come to pick a name and help make the holiday season brighter for that child. 

Truck of Love

We will have a Cross Country Freight Solutions truck in the parking lot of the Scottsbluff branch to accept new and gently used toys, the Lakota Lutheran Center van we try and stuff with gently used coats, and we will be collecting canned goods and non-perishable food items for the Valley Christian Neighbors in Need food pantry. 

Coats for Kids

There are collection boxes in both the Scottsbluff and Gering locations for new kids’ coats.  These coats are given to CAPWN to disperse to children in need. 

Canned Food Challenge

We challenge the schools to collect non-perishable food items. The school that collects the most poundage will receive $300 or a Private viewing of the Holiday Movie at the Historic Midwest Theater!

This is what makes it all so GREAT...by giving to our Gift of Love Program, you can truly reach out and touch the lives of others ...AND KNOW THAT IT STAYS RIGHT HERE IN YOUR COMMUNITY! 

History of the Gift of Love 

In l981, Gift of Love began as a  "Dress A Doll" Contest. The Bank purchased dolls, which were given to area women to dress, and then the dolls were given as gifts at Christmas time to less fortunate children. The next year it was decided that boys were being left out...so a "Create A Toy" Contest was added with wooden toy kits (airplanes, trucks, etc.) purchased by the Bank and given out for people to sand, paint, and finish. These gifts were then distributed to both boys and girls. This continued for several years until the quality of the dolls and toy kits became inferior and another source could not be found. The name was changed to "GIFT OF LOVE", and the program changed to include food and gifts for all ages. In 1986 First State Bank purchased the Bank of Gering and inherited their tradition of the "CAP AND MITTEN TREE". At that time all of the toys and gifts were displayed in the Scottsbluff lobby and the caps and mittens in the Gering lobby for everyone to enjoy before they are delivered the week before Christmas. 

Each year the program has grown so that many more people are being touched. Some ladies crochet and sew all year long for the program. Some have purchased gifts. Many purchase an extra sack of groceries when they are at the store. Some give cash. Some classes have held fundraisers and then purchased gifts themselves. Shop classes have made toys. School classrooms compete against each other to see who can collect the most can good items. Santa has gone to some schools to pick up their gifts, food, etc. The children are told how important it is for them to reach out to someone less fortunate than they and especially how meaningful it is for the recipients when they receive their "GIFT OF LOVE" from someone they don't even know.

Several years ago, an effort began to develop a "screening process" for recipients of food baskets and gifts from various organizations in the community. This was done so there would be less duplication and thus, more people on the receiving end. CAPWN maintains the list, which is comprised of applicants from their Holiday Wish List application process, every October. 

2023 Turkey Trot

In 2015, we partnered with the YMCA to bring the first Jingle Jog to Scottsbluff.  In 2019, we decided to switch things up and begin alternating the Jingle Jog with a Turkey Trot!  No matter if it is a year that you have your Bells on or a year that you Gobble, each race supports the Gift of Love.  At the time of registration, bring an unwrapped toy and receive a discounted entry fee amount!

Turkey Trot (Odd years)

Come run the race before you stuff your face On November 23, 2019!  This family-friendly 5K Walk/Run & 1 mile fun run has something for everyone!  The 5 K walk/run will be a timed event, but the 1-mile fun run is not timed.  By bringing a new, unwrapped gift at the time of registration to the YMCA or Riverstone Bank, receive $5 off the registration fee for the 5K. The race will begin and end at the YMCA and will travel along the pathway. Winners in each age division will receive a gift certificate for a frozen turkey from Main Street Market.

Jingle Jog (Even years)

This approximately 3-mile fun run/walk is for all parents, grandparents, nonjoggers, or even an elf on the shelf! The course travels through Scottsbluff beginning and ending at Riverstone Bank.  Mrs.Claus would approve--Treat Stations, Carolers, and more!  Anybody wishing to participate in the Jingle Jog will receive $10 off registration by presenting a new, unwrapped gift. Registrations can be dropped off at either Riverstone Bank or the YMCA. 

Turkey Trot Registration 2023

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We love our communities

And we’re not afraid to show it. From sponsoring local events to honoring those who give back.

Feel the Warmth