Gorham Savings Bank was recognized for its five-year commitment to the community by United Way of Greater Portland and the Greater Portland CA$H Coalition (CA$H). Gorham Savings Bank employees have dedicated at least 2,000 volunteer hours to help improve household financial stability at CA$H free tax preparation events since the partnership began. The announcement was made during the busiest day of Gorham Savings Bank’s “Make the Most of Your Money” week.

More than 500 individuals and families have been assisted by bank volunteers at the free income tax preparation and asset building events. At least $500,000 in income tax refunds and tax preparation savings have been reinvested into the community and thousands more have been realized through asset building resources.

“Improving the financial well being of our customers and the communities we serve continues to be our long-term commitment and collective effort,” said Chris Emmons, president and CEO at Gorham Savings Bank. “This partnership with CA$H is one more way that the Bank and our employees can help those who need greater financial stability.”

CA$H Greater Portland event participants receive free federal and state income tax return preparation and filing by an IRS-certified volunteer tax preparer; information about free and low-cost money-saving resources; individual assistance obtaining free credit reports and conducting unclaimed property searches; and a voucher to help fund higher education for their families.

Gorham Savings Bank’s “Make the Most of Your Money” week is in partnership with the Greater Portland CA$H Coalition: AARP Tax-Aide, Casco Federal Credit Union, CEI, Community Financial Literacy, Goodwill Industries of Northern New England, Gorham Savings Bank, Internal Revenue Service (IRS), KeyBank, Pine Tree Legal Assistance, Portland Housing Authority, and Women, Work and Community. For more information, visit www.cashgp.org. To find a free tax preparation and asset building event in Maine, dial 2-1-1.