Tompkins VIST Bank brightens room at Mary’s Shelter

The staff of Tompkins VIST Bank’s Wyomissing branch this year donated $2,000 to refurbish a bedroom at Mary’s Shelter in Berks County and did much of the work themselves. The room was part of a 17,000-square-foot renovation that Mary’s Shelter conducted to house the growing number of homeless youth ages 16 to 21 at its facility. The project included 20 bedrooms as well as a kitchen, living room and other rooms and offices. Berks County high schools were invited to submit designs for the rooms. Tompkins VIST Bank’s bedroom was designed by Boyertown High School. Work on the bedroom took several months, and included a drop ceiling, flooring, painting, adding furniture followed by décor including pillows, a bedspread, curtains, wall hangings and many personalized items so that the room would feel “extra special.” Mary’s Shelter supports families in the community and works to prevent homelessness through housing, education and social service programs.

SUBMITTED PHOTO This photo shows the finished room for a youth at Mary’s Shelter after the Tompkins VIST Bank team completed its renovation.

SUBMITTED PHOTO In this photo, Lauren Boone, universal banker, puts some finishing touches on the room the Tompkins VIST Bank renovated at Mary’s Shelter.