By Nanette Light
On Wednesday, the United Way of Norman is making donating as easy as drive-thru banking.
All donors have to do is roll down their window to make a pledge.
The organization, which provides funding for various social service agencies in Norman, is stationing volunteers at various banks' drive-thrus and street corners for the day during peak hours to accept donations.
The brain child of the organization's two co-chairs, one of whom is an employee of BancFirst, this fundraiser is an avenue to make giving more convenient, especially for commuters, and is a first for United Way, said Jed Dembowski, vice president of marketing and communications of United Way of Norman.
"We're just trying to make it easier on people," said Dembowski, who said banks were a premier location for accepting donations because they already have a drive-thru.
He said funds collected Wednesday will go toward the organization's yearly campaign.
"There are a lot of people in Norman who care about United Way and either just forget or don't get around to giving a donation, and this gives them the chance to be reminded and make a donation right there. It's convenient," said Chuck Thompson, president of Republic Bank, one of the banks participating in the donation push and sponsor of United Way.
Volunteers, including some of the tellers at participating banks, will be stationed at the banks' drive-thrus and along street corners where the banks sit.
"I hope they receive this in the spirit that we're just giving them the opportunity, and this isn't heavy-handed fundraising," Thompson said.
Collection times:
7:30 to 9:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Participating Banks:
BancFirst:
1201 West Main
333 East 12th Ave
Republic Bank -- Trust:
401 West Main
3550 West Robinson
1200 East Lindsey
805 North Main Street, Noble
First American Bank:
801 12th Avenue NE
570 24th Avenue NW
Arvest:
3601 36th Avenue NW
3615 West main Street
200 East Main
Lindsey and 12th Avenue SE
