The Egypt branch of First Northern Bank and Trust teamed up with St. Stephen's Episcopal Church to collect food for the Whitehall Food Bank last Wednesday.

They had worked together on a food drive last year, but this year did something a little different.

The bank collected donations for a month, using a tree that was on display in its office.

The tree allowed customers to pick a leaf which described what that customer could donate.

In addition to customers, employees of the bank also donated.

"Some customers really surprised us and brought in boxes and boxes of cans," said Wendy M. Arrasmith, branch manager of the bank.

Customers were entered to win one of two $25 gift certificates for a turkey when they brought in an item.

The Olive Garden, Longhorn Steakhouse, Entemanns and Weis Market also donated food to the drive.

Arrasmith described her favorite aspect of helping organizing the food drive as "knowing that I'm helping someone in need," and enjoying the "personal one on one."

"It's always nice to give back to the local community," she added.

The food is distributed on Mondays from 6 to 8 p.m. at the church.