By JOHN THOMPSON
jthompson@TheCitizenNews.com

This month's Helping Hands Holiday Toy Drive was the latest in a busy "giving back" year for Fairburn Banking Company.

The toy drive collected 3,280 toys and was the latest example of the bank trying to give back to the community.

The Peachtree City branch of Fairburn Banking Company kicked 2000 off with a celebration of Community Banking Month in April. The bank gave out hotdogs, chips and drinks to its customers.

In May, the bank participated in the "Tour de Cure" bike race for diabetes. The bank offered the tired bikers a rest stop on their race to find a cure for the disease.

In October, the bank prepared more than 200 goody bags filled with pens and paper for residents at Southland Nursing Home.

The bank also became a Partner in Education with Peachtree City Elementary School in October. The bank purchased a half page ad in the school newspaper, provided promotional bags and participated in the annual Jingle Bell Trail fundraiser.

The bank also kicked off the toy drive in October with a dinner and silent auction. Last year, the bank donated more than 600 toys, but far exceeded that amount this year.

The bank closed out the year by helping sponsor the McIntosh High School band by purchasing cups for their concession stands.

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