Sam as a Dickens character, with Layla; and Kim and Erika in the background.

North Shore Bank employees helped out at Greendale’s A Dickens of a Village holiday event on December 3, which the bank also sponsored. The 20th anniversary celebration saw the village transformed into a Victorian-era English setting, reminiscent of London in Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol.

The scene at A Dickens of a Village.

Investment coordinator Elizabeth Castillo, Greendale assistant branch manager Samantha Damman and daughter Layla, Forest Home universal banker Kim Dane, Greendale personal banker Kevin Esser, video teller Erika Garcia, and area manager Carolyn Lancour came out for the event. The evening’s entertainment included strolling carolers and other music, as well as a hayride in Santa’s sleigh. Participating merchants had employees dressed in Dickensian costume — Sam dressed up for us.

“Hundreds of kids enjoyed spinning the wheel at our table, and adults and kids alike enjoyed wearing our reindeer antlers,” Carolyn said. “It was a well-attended event, and the community was very appreciative of our sponsorship.”

Our runner-up Christmas tree at Muskego. Branch manager Stephanie Bluemel came up with an elf theme this year.

North Shore Bank also took part in Jingle on Janesville in Muskego over the weekend of December 3, winning second place in the event’s Christmas tree decorating contest. The branch also participated in a “Hide the Jingle Bell” contest, which gave the public the chance to find a hidden jingle bell at each participating business and win a $50 gift card to local restaurant the Lodge. Besides those activities, we also had Plinko, treats and refreshments, and a shopping spree giveaway.

If you are looking for holiday activities, here are a few ideas in our communities:

Sponsored by North Shore Bank, Candy Cane Lane is going strong in West Allis, raising money to help the MACC Fund fight children’s cancer. More info here.

Through December 22, our Sturgeon Bay branch is supporting the community by accepting new or slightly used outdoor apparel and nonperishable food items. These donations will stay in the community and be donated to Door County nonprofit Feed and Clothe My People. More info here.

And if you wish to donate to victims of last month’s tragedy in Waukesha, there is more information here. Happy and safe holidays to all of you.