The Neffs National Bank recently presented checks to Parkland, Northwestern Lehigh and Northern Lehigh school districts through an Education Improvement Tax Credit gift.

According to Nicole McGalla, director of Community Relations and Development with Parkland School District, the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program authorizes tax credits for businesses that make contributions to Educational Improvement Organizations or scholarship organizations.

McGalla said the program administered by the state Department of Community and Economic Development enables companies to support nonprofit school foundations at minimal cost.

Instead of sending tax dollars to Harrisburg, companies can reallocate them to support a school district through the district's education foundation, she said.

This year, The Neffs National Bank donated $34,000 to Parkland, and $33,000 each to Northwestern Lehigh and Northern Lehigh school districts.

McGalla said the gift will be used to upgrade the school's broadcasting program by purchasing new editing equipment and video cameras.

Kate J. Kareha, executive director of the Parkland School District Education Foundation also comments on receiving the check donation.

"Each semester approximately 75 students participate directly in the Parkland High School TV studio by taking broadcasting courses, producing morning and mid-day news programs aired throughout the school and community via our public access channels on Service Electric and RCN, and creating special content packages benefiting the school district and the community," Kareha stated. "We are so pleased to be able to upgrade this facility which serves our entire school district."

Clare Coupe Scott, president of the Northwestern Lehigh Education Foundation, commented on receiving the check donation.

"The Northwestern Lehigh Educational Foundation is appreciative of the generosity of The Neffs National Bank," Scott said. "This donation will allow us to expand access to technology in our district.

"Donations through the EITC program have a direct impact on our students."

Robert L. Vlasaty, principal for Northern Lehigh High School, also commented on his school receiving the check donation from the bank.

"We are very grateful to Neffs National Bank and the Northern Lehigh Education Foundation for their recognition and dedication to our students," Vlasaty said. "These funds will help our students learn advanced skills in science."