On Wednesday, Jan. 22, a total of $10,000 was presented to five nonprofit organizations that won the most votes from Alameda residents in the recent “Give Back” contest hosted by the Bank of Alameda/ Bank of Marin. At the ceremony, taking place at the Otis Drive branch, the five winning organizations — Alameda Boy Scouts, Alameda Meals on Wheels, Alameda Food Bank, Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter and Rhythmix Cultural Works — each received a check for $2,000 from the bank.

The funds are unrestricted, meaning the nonprofits can use them for general operating purposes. The nonprofits were chosen from votes gathered at the two Bank of Alameda/Bank of Marin branches located in Alameda from Dec. 9, 2013, to Jan. 3.