Iowa has long had a reputation as a state in which people look out for one another; a place where a helping hand is always being extended. The generosity of Iowa’s businesses has been a big reason why the state has such a reputation.

The businesses of Webster County live up to that reputation. As the COVID-19 pandemic lingers, they have stepped up to help.

Heartland Bank and Northwest Bank are two of the latest examples of area businesses lending a helping hand.

Heartland Bank recently donated a total of $10,000 to four area food pantries. The money was given to Gowrie Community Food Pantry, Holy Trinity Parish Food Pantry, Greene County Food Pantry and Manson Food Pantry. Each of them received $2,500. The Heartland Bank employees and customers know that the food pantries make a big difference in the lives of those in need every day.

Northwest Bank recently donated $1,250 to the Trinity Foundation COVID-19 Fund. That fund is used to pay for meals and other support for staff members of UnityPoint Health – Trinity Regional Medical Center who are working long hours in response to the pandemic.

A cynic might shrug and say the banks made the donations to get a tax break. We beg to differ.

We see financial institutions that stepped up to provide food for hungry families and support for weary medical workers. Their actions were both noble and voluntary.

We thank Heartland Bank, Northwest Bank and all of the other area businesses that support their neighbors in need.