OSB’s own, Kerrie Bramlett – VP Financial Center Manager and 2019 Volunteer of The Year, shares her heart for others and the value of volunteering.

One of my favorite things about being a team member at Oconee State Bank is the many opportunities to volunteer in our community. I believe there is great value in volunteering and giving back, in whatever way one is able, and the Bank encourages employees to participate, and even rewards them with paid time off for completing a certain amount of hours volunteering. That perk aside, I have a passion for helping others, supporting good causes, and meeting the needs of the community; it gives me joy! This passion perfectly aligns with Oconee State Bank’s core value of Community Involvement and our creed to “mark the lives of others because making a difference is more important than making a dollar.” I have seen our organization live this out, and it is a point of pride for me.

Over the past 18 years that I have been a part of Oconee State Bank, I have been privileged to support numerous causes, including: joining a construction team on a Habitat for Humanity building site; serving food at the Salvation Army and Athens Area Homeless Shelter; donating and stocking food for ACTS; organizing a fundraiser for Circle Ranch; supporting ESP at multiple events; collecting blankets, books, and lovies for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, co-chairing United Way’s Women United to support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library; participating in Relay for life to raise money for the American Cancer Society; supporting the Oconee Chamber of Commerce-including serving as Chair of its Business Expo Committee; and donating to and volunteering at numerous benefits and fundraisers.

This past December, I had the honor of being named Oconee State Bank’s 2019 Volunteer of the Year. It was especially meaningful to be presented the award by Deesha Hagwood, Oconee State Bank’s Vice-President of Marketing and an avid fellow-volunteer. She has been by my side at so many volunteer events and fundraising activities. She has also seen the bank’s dedication to volunteering come full-circle. Deesha’s own 15 year-old son, Landon, was diagnosed with cancer, and she became the one lifted up by volunteers.

You see, volunteering really extends beyond the organizations, events, and benefits to the individuals whose lives are touched by our efforts. We didn’t just build a house with Habitat for Humanity, we gave someone a home. We didn’t just serve at a food line, we fed the hungry. We didn’t just send items to CHOA, we comforted a sick child. We didn’t just support Circle Ranch and ESP, we helped the disadvantaged. We didn’t just partner with the Oconee Chamber of Commerce, we supported our local business owner’s in realizing their dream. And we didn’t just give to a benefit or fundraiser, we gave a helping hand to a brother or sister in our community facing a hardship. Communities are made of individuals with hopes and dreams, struggles and needs. Volunteering helps make a way for them, and our community to thrive.

And now, the value of volunteering has come full-circle for me. I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in July and my step-son and daughter are using their own unique talents to raise funds to assist with expenses. I hope I played a small part in instilling a sense of altruism in them. There will be a benefit in November, and, along with my family and friends, my work family from Oconee State Bank will be there volunteering and supporting me-just as the bank has encouraged me to do for others all these years.