Giving Back, Growing Together: What Volunteering Means at Peoples Bank
At Peoples Bank, community is more than just a place, it’s a commitment. From day one, we’ve believed in the power of showing up for others, supporting local causes, and using our time and talents to make a difference. That belief shines through in our employees, whether they’ve been with us for 16 years or just a few months.
We recently asked two team members, McKinley and Amanda, two employees with high number of volunteer hours at the bank, to share what volunteering means to them. Their stories are different, but their passion for serving others is the same.
McKinley:
Over the past several years, McKinley has been involved in just about every kind of volunteer event you can think of; Rotary, Little League, CYA Athletics, RAGBRAI, Balloon events, fundraising dinners, and more. For him, these moments aren’t just about showing up, they’re about getting to know people. “They’re always fun,” he shared. “It’s a great way to connect with members of the community and with the bank.”
McKinley has also taken on leadership roles through service, serving on boards such as Carlisle Youth Athletics, Rotary, Indianola Little League, Indianola Dollars for Scholars, and 100 Men of Indianola. Each experience has shaped his understanding of what it means to give back.
One volunteer moment that left a lasting impression on McKinley happened during a meal-packing event with the Rotary Club through Outreach. “It was a great time bonding with other members,” he said. “And being able to bring food back to our local food pantries made the work feel even more meaningful.”
For McKinley, Peoples Bank’s role in the community goes beyond showing up, it’s about sharing knowledge that empowers local organizations. “We’re able to bring financial insight that not everyone has access to,” he explained. “It helps strengthen the groups we serve and supports projects that make a real difference.”
He’s grateful that his role at Peoples Bank supports that mission. “The bank is always enthusiastic about employees getting involved,” he said. “They make it easy to give back, and that makes all the difference.”
Amanda:
Volunteering has been part of Amanda’s life for as long as she can remember, literally. “I’ve been helping with parades and Peoples Bank events since way back in 2003 with my mom,” she shared. So, when she joined the bank three years ago, it felt like a natural continuation of something she’d always loved.
Since then, Amanda has volunteered at countless community events: parades, homecomings, tailgates, teacher appreciation events, the Marion County Fair, Girls’ Night Out in Knoxville, Living Windows, the Knoxville Airport, and more. For her, each event is an opportunity to connect. “Volunteering gives me a sense of belonging,” she said. “It’s a way to show support for the things we care about. Honestly, I think it’s something everyone should be doing.”
A recent moment that stands out happened at Knoxville’s Girls’ Night Out and at Trunk or Treat. Both events drew much larger crowds than expected. “We actually had to run to the store to buy more supplies,” Amanda laughed. “But I love seeing that, not only are we volunteering, but the community is showing up and supporting these events too.”
As someone who has deep roots in her community, Amanda believes Peoples Bank has a special role to play. “In a small town, it matters that people see us out and about,” she explained. “They get to know us as people, and they know we truly care about them and their organizations.”
That commitment to community doesn’t end when she leaves work. Amanda continues to volunteer with her family to teach her boys the value of giving back. “Peoples Bank really encourages that,” she said. “They support me as a person, not just as an employee, and that means a lot.”
Why It Matters
At Peoples Bank, we believe giving back is part of being a good neighbor and a great bank. No matter the department, years of service, location, etc. We encourage every employee to get involved and be part of something bigger.
Our communities support us, and we’re proud to return that support through our time, resources, and heart. Because at the end of the day, community isn’t just where we work, it’s who we are.
