CoreFirst Bank & Trust Gives to Topeka Habitat

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1035 SE LimeCoreFirst Bank & Trust's relationship with Habitat for Humanity stems back to 1992 when the bank was the first corporate sponsor to aid in the construction of a Habitat home. Employees of the bank volunteered their time and talents to build the 7th Habitat House in the Topeka community for a deserving family at 11th & Lime.

At the time Emery Fager, Chairman of the Board, stated "Commerce Bank is proud to be the first business to participate in the Habitat program by actually building a house and we hope this will be the kick-off for other businesses to step forward and participate."

Looking back, little did Emery know just how important this statement was as Habitat for Humanity continues to build affordable housing for deserving Topeka families. With the aid of corporate, faith based and private funding and the countless hours of volunteerism from local supporters Habitat for Humanity plays a crucial role in the Topeka community.

405 SW Buchanan1315 NE OaklandBecause of the importance Habitat plays in the community, CoreFirst has continued its relationship with Habitat over the years. Most recently, nearly 40 CoreFirst employees donated time and effort to rehab two Topeka homes for Habitat for Humanity in May of 2008. Volunteers helped with yard work, maintenance and other duties to get the homes ready for new owners.

1315 NE OaklandThe homes are in the 400 block of SW Buchanan and the 1200 block of NE Oakland. Each home has been completely refurbished and includes all new appliances.

"It's been an extremely rewarding experience to help rebuild and rejuvenate these houses and I hope that they bring years of happiness to the new homeowners and their families," stated Mary Boland, Senior Vice President Manager of Loan Operations.

CoreFirst also donated land in the area of 31st and Swygart for new Habitat homes to be built.  Two of the four building lots donated to Topeka Habitat will be used as building sites for their projects in 2009.

CoreFirst Bank &Trust is proud of its long history of involvement with the Topeka Habitat for Humanity organization. As a strong supporter of the communities we serve it is wonderful to be part of a program that allows everyone to win, the new homeowner, the community and Habitat for Humanity. We look forward to helping with future projects providing affordable housing solutions to those in need.

Topeka Habitat is most appreciative of the partnership with CoreFirst Bank & Trust and it's predecessor, Commerce Bank & Trust.  The involvement of so many individuals from the bank has been instrumental throughout Habitat's 25 year history.  Topeka Habitat extends a very special thanks to the Bank and volunteers for the contribution of the two houses for 2008 and for the building lots to be used for future Habitat houses.