LA GRANDE — The annual Community Bank Charity Drive, held from Nov. 28 to Dec. 20, successfully raised more than $29,000 to support local charities in Northeast Oregon and Southeast Washington.

To kick off the initiative, a special match day on Giving Tuesday, Nov. 28, saw all funds collected being matched dollar for dollar, up to $1,000. The generosity extended through the second match period, from Nov. 29 to Dec. 20, where all donations were matched dollar for dollar, up to $1,000, with a minimum match of $500 per location.

“The spirit of giving is alive and well in our communities,” Community Bank Chief Executive Office and President Tom Moran said. “It’s always amazing to see people come together to help these organizations thrive.”

Key beneficiaries of this year’s drive include the Community Connections Food Bank in Wallowa County, which received $10,679 in donations and matching funds from Joseph and Enterprise locations. The La Grande Lions Coats for Kids program secured $5,422, and Hermiston’s Made to Thrive program received a total of $4,011.

Other contributions went to the Community Connection Meals on Wheels program in Baker City ($2,689), Elgin Food Bank ($1,967), Pendleton’s Children’s Museum of Eastern Oregon ($1,350), SonBridge in Walla Walla ($2,802), and the Asotin, Washington, County Food Bank ($505).

Over the past 14 years, the Community Bank Charity Drive has contributed more than $304,000 to regional organizations.