Pendleton, Oregon, September 29, 2025
News Summary
The Bank of Eastern Oregon has started a monthlong drive collecting canned food and clothing at branches across 18 rural service areas ahead of Oregon Community Bank Week. The announcement included statewide lending totals that underscore community banks’ support for local projects, including $4.3 billion in construction lending plus substantial farm, commercial real estate, mortgage and small-business loans. Nearby, a community bank marked its 100th anniversary with events and a pledge of 100 acts of kindness. Separately, law enforcement is investigating a Franklin branch fraud incident involving suspected use of fake identification; authorities are seeking tips.
Local Banks Launch Community Drives as One Faces Fraud Probe and Another Marks 100 Years
Published 12:00 pm Sunday, September 28, 2025 — Pendleton
Bank of Eastern Oregon branches across the state are collecting canned and nonperishable food and clothing in connection with Oregon Community Bank Week, set for Oct. 20–24, while a separate, regional bank is dealing with a fraud investigation even as it holds a yearlong centennial celebration.
What’s happening now — quick summary
The Bank of Eastern Oregon has announced a monthlong push at most of its branches to gather donations and said branches will serve refreshments during the week of Oct. 20–24. The bank asked people to check with their local branch for exact collection days. The bank highlighted how community banks support local lending, citing annual statewide loan totals for farms, construction, commercial real estate, residential mortgages and small business.
At the same time, local law enforcement agencies in West Virginia are working to identify a woman who allegedly presented a fake ID at a bank in Franklin and withdrew money earlier this month. Authorities report the woman left as a passenger in a newer-model Honda Accord and are asking anyone with information to contact state police or the county sheriff’s office.
Bank of Eastern Oregon collection drive and bank role in the state
The bank issued a press release saying the following branches are participating in the donation drive but did not include the list in the announcement that was released publicly. Most branches are holding collection events throughout October, with some running the drive for the entire month. The release encouraged people to contact their local branch for precise dates and times.
The bank emphasized the scale of community bank lending in the state, reporting annual totals of $622 million in farm loans, $4.3 billion in construction loans, $9.6 billion in commercial real estate loans, $6.2 billion in residential mortgage loans and $3.5 billion in small business loans. The Bank of Eastern Oregon serves 18 rural areas via branches and lending services and described community banks as cornerstones of their towns and counties.
Fraud investigation at Pendleton Community Bank in Franklin
County sheriff’s investigators and state police are seeking a woman who entered a Franklin bank on Aug. 7 and used a fake identification card to withdraw money from an account. Investigators say the woman left as a passenger in a newer-model Honda Accord. Anyone with information about the woman’s identity or the case is asked to call the West Virginia State Police at 304-358-2200 or the Pendleton County Sheriff’s Office at 304-358-2214. The matter remains under investigation.
Pendleton Community Bank marks 100th anniversary with events and volunteer plans
The same regional bank that reported the fraud incident is also celebrating its 100th anniversary with multiple events and community projects. One recent event in Harrisonburg featured cupcakes decorated with the bank logo, hot dogs and other community-style activities. The bank has pledged to complete 100 acts of kindness over the anniversary year, including volunteering at food pantries and animal shelters. A branch in Harrisonburg’s South Main Street area volunteered with a local prison and family outreach organization as part of that effort.
Bank staff note that one Virginia site opened 16 years ago and was the institution’s only state location at that time. The centennial program includes planned events at 14 branches with gatherings already held or scheduled on specific dates, including a large celebration planned for Oct. 4 at the main Franklin branch with food, live music, a cruise-in and kids’ activities.
Details and practical information
- Donation drive dates: Most Bank of Eastern Oregon branches will hold collections through October; the formal Oregon Community Bank Week is Oct. 20–24.
- Donations accepted: Canned and nonperishable food and clothing.
- Refreshments: Participating branches will offer refreshments during Oregon Community Bank Week.
- Fraud tip lines: West Virginia State Police at 304-358-2200 or Pendleton County Sheriff’s Office at 304-358-2214.
- Centennial events: Multiple branch events scheduled through the end of the year; the main Franklin celebration is set for Oct. 4.
FAQ
How can I donate to the Bank of Eastern Oregon collection?
Check with your local Bank of Eastern Oregon branch for exact dates and hours. Most branches are accepting canned and nonperishable food and clothing throughout October, with special activity and refreshments during Oct. 20–24.
When is Oregon Community Bank Week?
Oregon Community Bank Week takes place every October. This year the official week is Oct. 20–24, though many branches will host collection events for the whole month.
Who should I contact about the bank fraud in Franklin?
Anyone with information can contact the West Virginia State Police at 304-358-2200 or the Pendleton County Sheriff’s Office at 304-358-2214.
What kinds of centennial events are planned by Pendleton Community Bank?
The centennial calendar includes branch cookouts, giveaways, live music, volunteer activities and a large Franklin celebration with food, music and family activities. The bank has also pledged to perform 100 acts of kindness over the anniversary year.
Where can I get more information about branch events?
Contact your local branch directly for dates, times and event specifics. Branch staff should be able to confirm donation hours and celebration schedules.
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Key Features at a Glance
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Donation drive | Bank of Eastern Oregon collecting canned food, nonperishable items and clothing; refreshments during Oct. 20–24 |
| Official week | Oct. 20–24 (Oregon Community Bank Week) |
| Loan impact (annual) | $622M farm; $4.3B construction; $9.6B commercial real estate; $6.2B residential mortgages; $3.5B small business |
| Service area | Bank of Eastern Oregon serves 18 rural areas with branches and lending |
| Fraud investigation | Woman used fake ID to withdraw funds in Franklin on Aug. 7; suspect left as passenger in a newer-model Honda Accord; tips to 304-358-2200 or 304-358-2214 |
| Centennial | Pendleton Community Bank celebrating 100th anniversary with events at 14 branches and a pledge of 100 acts of kindness |
Weather update
Forecast calls for cloudy skies with a slight chance of a rain shower and a high near 77°F. Overnight will be cloudy with occasional showers, low around 59°F, and a 40% chance of rain.
For local branch hours, donations and event details, contact your nearest branch directly.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Additional Resources
- Hermiston Herald: Bank of Eastern Oregon celebrates Oregon Community Bank Week
- Wikipedia: Community bank
- WHSV: Police searching bank fraud suspect in Pendleton County
- Google Search: bank fraud Pendleton County WV
- Daily News-Record: Pendleton Community Bank holds 100th anniversary party
- Google Scholar: Pendleton Community Bank 100th anniversary
- WBOY: Woman used fake ID to defraud Pendleton County bank, deputies say
- Encyclopedia Britannica: bank fraud
- WVVA: Pendleton Community Bank kicks off 100th anniversary celebration (video)
- Google News: Pendleton Community Bank 100th
Author: Construction CA News
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