'16 Christmas Scrip loans totals $253,130

Low interest Christmas Scrip loans kept a lot of local residents shopping at home during the 2016 holiday season.

The total amount of Scrip loaned out reached $253,130 as the program concluded its 28th year, down a little from 2015 ($276,163) but right on target with 2014 when local shoppers borrowed a total of $254,410, according Christmas Scrip Chairman Don Nevrivy.

“We didn’t quite get to the total from last year, but we are thrilled to be on par with 2014’s totals,” Nevrivy said. “This program has been in use in our community for nearly 30 years and I believe it continues to benefit everyone involved.”

Under the program, First State, First Security and Independence Banks offer interest-free loan in amounts up to $1,000 and the loans is then paid back in 10 monthly installments. The program is co-sponsored by participating members of the Malta Chamber of Commerce and kicks off each year in conjunction with October’s Parade of Lights.