International Day of Charity

Every year on September 5, the world comes together to celebrate the International Day of Charity—a day dedicated to recognizing the power of giving and the impact of compassion. At First Option Bank, charity isn’t just a one-day event—it’s a cornerstone of who we are.

Since our founding in 1923, First Option Bank has been more than a financial institution. With 10 locations and deep roots in the communities we serve, we’ve built a legacy of community service, philanthropy, and personal connection. Whether it’s through our Trust and Financial Services Department, through our School Logo Debit Card Program that has generated over $2.5 Million for our local schools, or through employee volunteerism and local sponsorships, we believe in giving back—every day.

On this International Day of Charity, we celebrate the spirit of generosity that fuels our mission and strengthens our communities. Because when we invest in people, we all grow stronger—together.
 

Giving Back with Every Swipe: The School Logo Debit Card Program

At First Option Bank, charity is more than a one-time act—it’s a daily opportunity to make a difference. One of the most impactful ways we support our communities is through our School Logo Visa® Debit Card Program, which has donated over $2.5 million to local schools.

Every time you shop with a School Logo Debit Card, a portion of the transaction fee is donated to the school of your choice. The more you use your card, the more we give back. Just choose "credit" and you’re helping fund programs that benefit students, teachers, and the future of our communities, ensuring purpose with every purchase. 

Together, we can turn everyday purchases into meaningful contributions.
 

Trust & Financial Services

First Option Bank’s trust services are deeply rooted in Miami County, with Paola as a central hub. This offers our Trust and Financial Services Department a distinct advantage in building personal relationships, understanding local needs, and providing face-to-face service—a value that national firms and online platforms often cannot replicate. 

From 2020 through 2025, First Option Bank’s Trust & Financial Services division has quietly become one of the most impactful philanthropic engines in Miami County and surrounding communities. Through its stewardship of charitable foundations and scholarship funds, the bank has distributed more than $6.75 million in grants—supporting education, healthcare, civic life, and cultural preservation.

Investing in Local Communities

Grants have reached nearly every corner of the region, with consistent support for:

• Paola: Youth sports, robotics, education, and civic programs.
• Osawatomie: Public library, museum foundation, fire department, and USD #367.
• La Cygne & Louisburg: Libraries, churches, police departments, and senior services.
• Spring Hill: Food pantries, education foundations, and churches.

Empowering the Next Generation

Scholarships have been a cornerstone of the bank’s charitable mission. Over six years, hundreds of students have benefited from named scholarships, including:

• Block Family Scholarship – For Paola, Osawatomie, and Prairie View graduates.
• McFadden Scholarship – For Allen County seniors.
• Brand Wagner Scholarship – For Osawatomie and Prairie View graduates.
• Hornberger Scholarship – For Miami County students pursuing nursing degrees.

These scholarships not only ease the financial burden of higher education but also honor the legacies of families and individuals committed to community uplift.

Preserving Culture and Supporting Veterans

The bank also manages several specialized foundations that reflect the values of the region:

• Rail Heritage Trust – Over $1 million granted for rail preservation.
• John DeVore Foundation – Supporting veterans and their families in Miami County.
• Hawkins Foundation – Focused on Osawatomie-based organizations, preserving the legacy of Web and Gladys Hawkins.

These funds ensure that local history, service, and identity are honored and sustained.

Trusted Stewardship

What sets First Option Bank apart is its deep local knowledge and personalized approach. The internal foundation committee—comprising bank leaders and community advocates—ensures that every dollar is distributed with care, transparency, and alignment with donor intent.
 

Looking Ahead

As First Option Bank continues to grow, so too does its impact. With a strong foundation of trust, a legacy of giving, and a vision for the future, the bank remains a vital partner in building stronger, more resilient communities.