Press Releases

Huntingdon Valley Bank and Kathylee Forrester Donate 240 “Patches” Bears to Kids of 111th Fighter Wing at Willow Grove Naval Air Station

WILLOW GROVE, PA. — Christmas came early for 240 children whose parents are attached to the 111^th Fighter Wing of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard as Huntingdon Valley Bank representatives and Patches Founder Kathylee Forrester distributed Patches bears to children at Willow Grove Air Station Joint Reserve Base recently.

The Dec. 6 stuffed bear giveaway was a collaborative effort between Huntingdon Valley Bank, Forrester, and the base’s Family Readiness Group. Huntingdon Valley Bank employees volunteered in registering event attendees, selling raffle tickets and lending a hand with the kids’ moonbounce during the holiday activity.

The event came after a successful “Pennies for Patches” coin collection campaign that Huntingdon Valley Bank spearheaded this summer in conjunction with nonprofit Patches Kids. The bank’s five branches made history as the first institution locally to kick off the coin collection drive, which used donations to purchase bears for area children of deployed soldiers. The collection continued through fall and was followed by an art contest among area schools.

Patches, the cuddly stuffed bear, comes equipped with eight emotion faces that children can place in the pocket of the bear’s overalls to express their feelings of happiness, hope or sadness related to their parent’s departure, reintegration, severe injuries or death.

“This ongoing effort is Huntingdon Valley Bank’s way of showing unwavering support for our military families – from our brave men and women overseas – to the young children at home,” said Huntingdon Valley Bank President and CEO Jim Gillen. “We want every child to feel special and experience the joy of the holiday season. Hopefully Patches will help in that effort.”

According to long-time child advocate Forrester, the ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, to date, have separated more than 700,000 military parents from their children – most who are under age 5. She estimates that 200,000 families of young children are currently coping with active deployments.

Photo caption: (Back row from left) Huntingdon Valley Bank officials Chuck Hutt, Mary Ann Murtha and Jami Needleman and (Front from left) Santa’s helper, Santa and Patches Founder Kathylee Forrester volunteered at Willow Grove Air Station Joint Reserve Base recently in giving Patches bears to children of military families.

Huntingdon Valley Bank Welcomes New Branch Managers

Huntingdon Valley Bank, a leader in community banking in Bucks and Montgomery counties, has announced that Bryan J. Hughes was hired recently as branch manager of the Warrington location; and Thomas J. Miriello has joined the bank as branch manager for the Lower Moreland and Justa Farm locations, as well as the bank’s satellite office at Lafayette Redeemer in Philadelphia.

Hughes, of Glenolden, Delaware County, previously served as a business branch banker for a Global Financial Institution. He brings more than 10 years of management experience to his new position. “I am excited that I can help in furthering the various community initiatives that have become so important to Huntingdon Valley Bank,” Hughes said.

Prior to joining Huntingdon Valley Bank, Miriello, of Wilmington, Del., worked as a branch manager for Sun National Bank. He has 30 years of banking experience, including residential mortgage and consumer and commercial lending. “My new position at Huntingdon Valley Bank allows me to put my banking know-how to good use,” he said.

Huntingdon Valley Bank President and CEO Jim Gillen said the unique skill sets that Hughes and Miriello offer, coupled with their extensive banking industry backgrounds ensures that the community bank continues to thrive. “Bryan and Thomas are proof that Huntingdon Valley Bank not only strives, but succeeds in bringing the best and the brightest in the banking industry to come and work alongside us,” Gillen said. “With these gentlemen at the helm of our branches, I am confident that our bank will continue to provide the best service to each and every one of our customers.”

About Huntingdon Valley Bank

Since 1871, Huntingdon Valley Bank has been helping individuals and businesses build a better, more secure future. Throughout the years, the locally headquartered Huntingdon Valley Bank has remained a respected name in Bucks and Montgomery counties. The bank operates five local branches. For more information, or to find a location near you, visit www.huntingdonvalleybank.com, or call 267-280-4000.