During this year’s Bluffton Blaze of Lights First National Bank invites area residents to do a good deed and receive a free gift certificate, courtesy of Kasasa, its rewards checking account partner.

In addition, First National Bank has pledged $450 prize money to expand this year’s Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce Bluffton residential holiday lighting contest. Details of that contest will be announced soon.

Using the philosophy that “no good deed goes unrewarded,” First National Bank supports six Bluffton non-profit organizations during the Blaze in its “Kasasa Gift-For-Good Exchange” program. The bank will encourage residents to volunteer at one of those agencies in December or January.

Todd Mason, president of First National Bank, said, “We look forward to encouraging and rewarding area residents to become a volunteer this winter as part of our commitment to building our community’s value.” 

First National Bank will rewards the first 250 persons who pledge to volunteer by providing Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce gift certificates to those who successfully complete their volunteer commitment.

Here’s how it works:

From 4 to 9 p.m. during the Saturday, Nov. 30, Blaze of Light celebration, First National Bank will have a booth on the corner of Cherry and Main streets.  Persons have an opportunity to pledge two hours of volunteer time by Jan. 31, 2014, at one of the following Bluffton non-profit organizations:

• Bluffton Child Development Center
• Bluffton Hospital
• BFR Sports and Fitness
• Bluffton Community Assistance Program
• Bluffton Public Library
• Bluffton Senior Citizens Center

Each of the six organizations has projects where volunteers may assist. Persons unable to attend the Blaze also have the opportunity to pledge volunteer hours at Bluffton’s First National Bank branch from Nov. 30 to Dec. 7.

The first 100 volunteers to return their completed hours will each receive a $20 gift certificate from the bank. The 101st through 250th volunteers to return their completed hours will each receive a $10 gift certificate.

Persons interested in more information about the program may contact the bank.