Wachovia, a Wells Fargo group, doesn’t like to think it’s giving back to the community. That implies they took something away from it first.

“We are committed as a corporation to take care of our local communities,” Sandhills District Manager Craig Buzak said to the group that gathered at the Garner Towne Square Wachovia for a reception Aug. 31.

Five branches from the area, Garner Towne Store, Garner Forest Hills, Fuquay-Varina, Clayton and Middle Creek came together to present checks for $1,000 each to local non-profit organizations.

Wachovia hopes these donations will help make a difference within the local communities.

The donations were part of a giving program in its second year that Wachovia and Wells Fargo have set up.

“Each of your organizations has done a phenomenal job,” Buzak told the non-profit representatives. “You, your staffs, and your volunteers are providing a helping hand where it is needed the most; at the grassroots level.”

The Garner Towne Store Wachovia donated $1,000 to the Garner EMS. Store Manager and Assistant Vice President Shannon O’Neal said it is the cornerstone of the Garner community.

Although the Garner EMS has transitioned into the merger with Wake County in the last four months, the money will be used to help the local community. Chief William Frederick said he hopes to have first aid and CPR certification courses for the community and the EMS is now heavy rescue certified to help anywhere they are needed, even outside of Garner.

The Garner Forest Hills branch donated funds to Community of Hope Ministries. Amy White’s passion to help underprivileged children through the ministry reflected the heart of the branch.

White said the money wouldn’t be paying back the community. Instead it would be paying it forward by helping to tutor children and feeding families. Since January, the ministry has handed out 49,000 meals.

“Thank you for making a difference in these families lives,” White said.