The Neffs National Bank presented checks in the amount of $25,000 each to the Lehigh Carbon Community College Foundation, the Northwestern Lehigh and Parkland school district education foundations and the Wildlands Conservancy, Emmaus.

“The donations were made in part through the bank’s participation in the state’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit program,” Kevin Schmidt, president and chief executive officer of The Neffs National Bank said at the Feb. 14 presentation.

The EITC program authorizes tax credit for contributions to educational improvement organizations, he added.

“The bank has always valued community relationships and is aware of the budgetary constraints these organizations face,” Schmidt said. “The EITC program allows the bank to ‘earmark’ its taxes to support these programs.”

Schmidt said he would like these contributions to stimulate other businesses to participate in the program and assist qualifying organizations.

Dr. Ann Bieber, president of Lehigh Carbon Community College, spoke with The Press about receiving the donation.

“[It is a] great honor,” Bieber said. “The LCCC Foundation is very appreciative to receive this donation to use in its Early Learning Center.

“Students will be provided with scholarships to assist in child care costs.”

Valerie Creitz, secretary for the Northwestern Lehigh Education Foundation, also spoke with The Press.

“We are honored and grateful to be a recipient,” Creitz said. “The funds will help to expand educational opportunities for all students in the district.

“It is a win-win for local businesses and organizations.”

Kate Kareha, executive director with the Parkland School District Education Foundation, commented on the donation.

“We are grateful for the support The Neffs National Bank has given us over the last several years,” Kareha said. “These EITC funds go to support our most innovative programs in the district.

“Our students feel the district benefit of the Neffs efforts to support its community.”

Chris Kocher, president of the Wildlands Conservancy, also discussed receiving the donation.

“We are thrilled to receive EITC support from The Neffs National Bank,” Kocher said. “This support will help Wildlands Conservancy provide environmental education programming to thousands of school-age children throughout the Lehigh Valley.

“Educating the children about the environment and the importance of the stewardship of our natural resources is critical.”