MARS — A local financial institution will spend the next two months honoring those who protect and serve.

For the past two years, Mars Bank has participated in the Step Forward Campaign, which aims to honor first responders and military members who sacrifice to keep the public safe.

This year, between Sept. 11 and Nov. 11, the bank will celebrate fire, police and emergency personnel, as well as active military and veterans by seeking stories of their bravery from the public. The bank is seeking submissions of stories describing service and acts of bravery from the public in southwest Butler County and northern Allegheny County.

The stories can be submitted online at www.marsbank.com, through the bank’s social media accounts and in person at any Mars Bank location.

The submission form asks for the name of the person or organization and the story of the heroic act. The public also can simply offer a “thank you” to those who protect and serve.

The stories will be posted on the bank’s website and social media pages. The campaign is sponsored by The Cranberry Eagle, which also will publish the stories.

The bank will hold a donation contest through Facebook from Sept. 11 through Oct. 11, in which voters can support police, fire and EMS organizations in their area. Votes will determine who receives a charitable contribution of $500 for first place and $250 for second place.