Local Banks Lend a Helping Hand
Heritage Bank Market President Paige McVity helping out at The Harpeth Middle School Disaster Relief Center.
Heritage Bank Market President for Cheatham County and Kingston Springs resident Paige McVity has been a vital leader in the grassroots volunteer movement following the flood.
When disaster struck Cheatham County nearly three weeks ag0, McVity sprang into action. She immediately called elected officials in an attempt to unite all arms of the citizen-led disaster relief movement. She facilitated regular meetings between elected officials, social services, and volunteers from the community. These meetings bridged the gap between the municipalities of Kingston Springs and Pegram, and also brought together the northern and southern parts of the county.
“I wanted to connect volunteers into the whole process and give them a voice.” said Paige. “Let’s face it, the volunteers are 90% of it.”
She hopes the success of the grassroots movement will help shape emergency management response in future. “I want to look at what we did well and move forward.”
She has also been offering financial counseling to anyone (not just customers) during this overwhelming time. Her message to homeowners is simple: “We’re not going to forget you. We’re not going to leave you.”
Heritage Bank employees continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with flood survivors and volunteers working to rebuild their community.
“We stand strong and we’re standing beside our neighbors.”
President and CEO of Community Bank and Trust, Debbie Small, helps serve food to volunteers at The Harpeth Middle School Relief Center
Community Bank and Trust employees made dishes and donated food items to help feed volunteers on last Saturday’s community wide work day. In addition, Community Bank and Trust brought their chuckwagon to The Harpeth Middle School Relief center prepared to feed up to 800 people.
“This touches my heart.” said President and CEO of Community Bank and Trust, Debbie Small. “We started here. These people, they make our bank.”
Even though their Pegram branch sustained damage during the flood and is closed until further notice, Small said “Our major concern is taking care of the people. We wouldn’t be who we are without them.”
Community Bank and Trust donated $500 to The Ark last week. They have also donated non-perishable food items and toiletries directly to the people.
South Cheatham Flood Recovery Information 