On April 24, Essex Savings Bank announced the results of the customer balloting portion of its Community Investment Program, directing $36,001 to more than 75 organizations in the bank’s area of service, more than 30 of which were based in the tri-town area.

Through the Community Investment Program, the bank annually commits 10 percent of after-tax net income to nonprofit organizations; this year that amounts to $120,000 committed in total. A portion of that is allotted through a customer ballot through which customers of the bank can vote for three organizations on the list. This vote determines how much of the designated funds each nonprofit receives.

“It’s a cultural thing that we’ve been very proud of, all nonprofits in the marketplace area can submit an application,” said Gregory R. Shook, president and CEO of Essex Savings Bank. “In 1995 we decided that we want to give back to the community, to nonprofits and the greater community good. This way we give these organizations both exposure and funding.

“There are good groups doing good work out there, and it is nice to give out checks,” continued Shook.

This year, The Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries topped the list with 580 votes for $3,183. Meals on Wheels and the Valley Shore Animal Welfare League were also within the top 10 recipients, with 319 and 251 votes for $1,751 and $1,378, respectively. Other local organizations that received support from the Community Fund include the Essex Library Association, the Ivoryton Playhouse, the Chester Historical Society, and the Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau.

Camp Hazen YMCA broke into the top 10 organizations chosen by the community for the first time this year, receiving 213 votes for $1,169. The camp has been a recipient of funding since the program’s inception.

“The money will be used for camperships and financial assistance,” said Denise Learned, executive director and CEO of Camp Hazen and a director on the Essex Savings Bank board. “These allow local families who can’t afford camp to do so. This year we’re going to be able to take that a lot further. We want to make sure every kid has the chance to come to camp, and have that opportunity, regardless of their family’s financial position.

“It’s great to receive the support from the community so we can give more kids that camp experience. However, I have to say that I used to work for the Shoreline Soup Kitchen & Pantries, and I love the fact that they are consistently the first vote-getter,” continued Learned. “It’s such a basic community need and really helps families around here.”