Jillian Netherland, right, Androscoggin Home Healthcare & Hospice development and community relations manager, accepts a $500 donation from Auburn Savings bank employee Julia Rathbun. The contribution was part of the bank’s “U Make Us Better” employee recognition program.

LEWISTON — Auburn Savings bank employees Sherri Vaughan and Julia Rathbun each chose to donate $500 from the bank’s “U Make Us Better” employee recognition program to the Canton Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary and Androscoggin Home Healthcare + Hospice.

The “U Make Us Better” program honors employees who go above and beyond in their work and display a commitment to the community. Recognized employees get to choose the organization funds are donated to.

“I am a member of both the Fire Department as their secretary and the auxiliary as their treasurer,” Vaughn said. “My husband and son are both members of the department. Small volunteer departments need help, both financially and with personnel. This donation helps them purchase things that are important but not required without affecting their operating budget.”

The money is planned to be used to purchase signs to alert drivers approaching emergency scenes.

Androscoggin Home Healthcare and Hospice plans to use the funds to support its mission.

“Androscoggin Home Healthcare and Hospice is grateful for the ongoing support from our community,” Executive Director Ken Albert said. “Thanks to the kindness and generosity of partners like Auburn Savings bank, we are able to continue our mission of enhancing quality of life by providing innovative and compassionate medical care for all — regardless of ability to pay.”