For Simmons Bank, community commitment goes far beyond financial services. The White House branch, led by Branch Manager Kate Key, has once again demonstrated what it means to live out the bank’s mission of investing time, talent, and resources into the communities they serve.

This September, the White House team rolled up their sleeves and dedicated themselves to a variety of local projects—each with a direct and meaningful impact on White House families.

At White House Heritage Elementary School, Kate partnered with teachers and staff to support their Chocolate Bar fundraiser, a popular event that helps raise critical dollars for the school. Her volunteerism didn’t stop there. She also pitched in with everyday needs, like making classroom copies and lending a hand with the Read20 Cart, a program that encourages students to engage with reading outside the classroom. For Kate, these efforts are about more than tasks—they’re about helping build a strong foundation for the next generation.

Kate and Katie Steele, a Senior Relationship Banker at the branch, also brought their creativity to Temple Baptist Church, where they painted banners for Upward Football. The program, which draws around 1,000 people each week, is more than just a sports league—it’s a hub for fellowship, encouragement, and mentorship for children and families. The banners the Simmons Bank team helped prepare were seen by hundreds of local families this season, making their work a visible and lasting part of the community gathering.

The duo didn’t stop there. At HIS Children, a local nonprofit serving vulnerable kids and families, Kate and Katie took on the practical but vital task of reorganizing the organization’s storage unit of donated items. Their goal was to increase functionality, ensuring that items could be accessed more quickly and efficiently. For nonprofits, every minute counts—and the team’s work means staff and volunteers can spend more time directly supporting children rather than digging through clutter.

"Kate and the (Simmons) team go the extra mile to make sure our storage unit stays in its top shape, hosts fundraisers, and shops every Christmas for the children we serve," says Jessica Brown of His Children. "Her kindness, leadership, and commitment make a lasting impact, and we are thankful for the way she helps lighten the load so we can better serve the kids who need us most."

Shaina Gobin, Senior Relationship Banker, added her own blend of community service to the branch’s volunteer efforts. Shaina assisted with White House United Methodist Church’s clothing drive and children’s ministry programs. 

These local efforts are part of a broader culture of service at Simmons Bank. As a community bank, Simmons recognizes that helping others “pays countless dividends at all levels.” Volunteerism isn’t just encouraged—it’s celebrated. In fact, 2025 marks Simmons Bank’s eighth annual Simmons Service Month. 

While this year’s numbers are still growing, in 2024, associates across the bank’s footprint dedicated themselves to serving their communities in big and small ways. Collectively, employees contributed 7,659 volunteer hours, made nearly 6,252 in-kind donations, and gave more than $29,000 in monetary contributions.

The bank also recognizes individual efforts by highlighting “star volunteers”—those who gave 15 hours or more. Each of these associates received $150 to donate to the charity of their choice, extending the ripple effect of service even further.

From schools to churches to nonprofits, Simmons Bank’s White House branch proves that being a community bank means more than just doing business locally—it’s about being a neighbor. September was a month of giving, and Kate, Katie, Shaina, and the entire Simmons team showed that when people invest in their community, everyone wins.