Associated Bank recently acknowledged the efforts of its top 20 volunteers for 2013, including Alfred Nakhla, vice president – commercial banking in Wausau, who volunteers with Operation Christmas Child through Bible Truth Chapel. Nakhla was awarded with a $1,000 grant for the non-profit organization.

“Thousands of children never have the opportunity to receive even a small gift, let alone a shoebox full of fun toys, candy and personal care items,” said Nakhla. “That’s what gives me the greatest pleasure and satisfaction, seeing the smiles on their faces. The expressions of love and care show these children that they are loved and cared for.”

In 2013, Associated employees across the three state footprint volunteered more than 47,000 hours. The top 20 volunteers donated more than 10,000 hours (at least 290 each), and another 253 employees each logged more than 50 volunteer hours.

“Colleague volunteer hours in 2013 topped 47,524, exceeding 2012 by 10,000 hours,” said Cliff Bowers, director of public relations, Associated Bank. “Associated is committed to giving back to its communities, and hundreds of colleagues do just that — by serving as donors, organizers, leaders, inspirers and doers.”

Associated’s philanthropy reflects the people, the culture and the spirit of the company. Colleagues are actively engaged in the charitable process to help identify nonprofit organizations and causes that best address the unique needs of communities across Associated’s footprint. Associated encourages and supports colleague volunteerism efforts by providing the internal resources that help connect colleagues with the nonprofit organizations that meet their personal passion for community involvement.