It's Christmas in July at Banner Bank

It is Christmas in July at Banner Bank.

And, August, and September, and October ... and all year long.

A little more than a year ago, Banner got feedback from customers about the bank's annual holiday giving tree, which was decorated with gift tags for the holidays for the Salvation Army.

Customers picked up tags that had kids' names and desired gifts, purchased the toys, and placed them under the tree on a return visit.

"It is such a nice thing to do," Banner's customers said. "Why can't you keep doing it?"

Branch manager  agreed with the customers and set out to create a giving tree program that would continue year-round.

Faull chooses local charities with a need and works with the staff to select items.

Just like at Christmas, they place gift tags on the tree that customers can pick up and drop off the items when they return to the bank.

Last month, the giving tree featured new local nonprofit Birthday Dreams. 

Chris Spahn, Executive Director of Birthday Dreams said, "We received donations of exciting games and toys, fun party supplies, wrapping paper and gift bags, balloon weights and ribbon, streamers and party favors.  People also donated great goodie bag fillers like candy, tattoos, sunglasses, lip gloss, rings, tiaras, small toys and balls.  People also donated cash," Spahn said.

"Basically, all of the items to make a birthday party a reality for a homeless child."

Previous recipients of the Giving Tree have been the Salvation Army (that received food one month it was featured, and toys in December), Pediatric Interim Care Center (infant formula, diapers, blankets), Renton Area Youth Services (RAYS), and for July, The Renton Kiwanis Clothes Bank.

Rich Brooks, the Executive Director of RAYS, said his group has been the recipients of the tree this year and last.

"We have receive generous quantities of snacks for our clients who are often hungry when they come in for an appointment," Brooks said. "They have missed meals, or have not much food in their homes; this is a challenge we see more and more frequently over the past couple of years."

RAYS also has also received toys for their holiday breakfast and art supplies for children and teens.

This month, the giving tree is decorated with tags that customers (and community members—you don't have to bank at Banner to help a needy kid) can pick up for The Clothes Bank just in time for the school year, Faull said.

Requested items are socks, underwear, and jeans. And the gift tags give donors an idea of what sizes are needed.

"We can never have enough jeans for the kids as they start school," said Del Mead, the Clothes Bank president.

"And all children need clean socks and underwear."

At the end of the giving tree month, the nonprofit that has been featured picks up the donated items.

Faull is very emotional about the success of the Giving Tree. "We are so blessed, that it is nice to be able to give back to our community," she said.