WESTFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Monson Savings Bank has extended its support to the Whip City Animal Sanctuary with a $1,500 donation, helping the nonprofit organization continue its mission of caring for neglected and abused farm animals. Dan Moriarty, President and CEO of Monson Savings Bank, personally presented the donation to Robin Plourde, co-founder of the sanctuary, during a recent visit. The contribution comes as part of the bank’s 2024 Annual Community Giving Initiative, which invites community members to vote for their favorite charitable organizations. Whip City Animal Sanctuary secured a spot among the top ten recipients for the year. Courtesy of Monson Savings BankCourtesy of Monson Savings BankCourtesy of Monson Savings Bank Whip City Animal Sanctuary, established in 2020 by Robin and Kerry Plourde, provides long-term care, shelter, and veterinary services for surrendered, neglected, and abused farm animals. The Westfield-based nonprofit ensures its residents can live out their lives in a safe and caring environment. “As a nonprofit and volunteer-run organization, Whip City Animal Sanctuary is dependent on the generosity of our community,” said Plourde. “Thank you to our supporters who voted for us, and thank you to Monson Savings Bank for hosting this wonderful annual initiative.” During his visit, Moriarty toured the sanctuary and met some of the animals, including goats and other residents who benefit from the sanctuary’s care. He highlighted the importance of supporting organizations like Whip City Animal Sanctuary. “Monson Savings Bank’s commitment to our community extends beyond financial services; it includes the well-being of all its members, including animals,” said Moriarty. “Whip City Animal Sanctuary helps to ensure that farm animals without a home can thrive in a safe and loving environment. We hope by supporting them, they can expand their services to help even more animals.” Monson Savings Bank’s Annual Community Giving Initiative provides ongoing support to local organizations through community-driven voting. Voting for the 2025 initiative opened on October 1, 2024, giving residents another opportunity to direct donations to causes they care about. Local News Headlines Corvette Club donates $8K to support local veterans Holyoke honors Jeff Walsh for parade contributions Springfield police urge caution following card skimmer incidents Monson Savings Bank donates $1,500 to Whip City Animal Sanctuary WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.