SEATTLE–Credit unions across the country closed on Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day in order to send their employees into the communities to perform a variety of good works.
In the Puget Sound area, thousands of employees from area credit unions worked to raise funds, teach kids, and volunteer with non-profit organizations throughout the area. In all, nearly 2,800 employees rolled up their sleeves for the day of service, according to the Northwest Credit Union Association.
Each credit union organized their own activities and chose the type of volunteer work. Among those participating:
- BECU, Tukwila, Wash., had nearly 2,000 employees hosting financial reality fairs in high schools throughout the Puget Sound and Spokane
- Sound Credit Union in Tacoma, Wash. had more than 275 employees volunteering at 20 different non-profit organizations
- Red Canoe Credit Union in Longview, Wash. had 225 employees raising funds for six organizations that focus on hunger and homelessness
- Some 170 employees from Salal Credit Union in Seattle helped to build 16 wheelchairs for Bridge Disability Ministries.
- TAPCO Credit Union in Tacoma, Wash. had 90 employees out in the community committing random acts of kindness
- Ninety employees from Verity Credit Union volunteered at six different charities throughout the area
12,000 Turn Out in Minnesota
Meanwhile, in Minnesota, an estimated 12,000 credit union employee and member volunteer hours were dedicated to 80 Minnesota communities. Participating credit unions estimate that the collective reach through efforts on that day impacted more than 33,000 people.
Among the participating CUs was St. Cloud FCU, which closed its branches on Columbus Day in order to allow more than 60 employees to participate in its fourth annual Community Day of giving.
St. Cloud FCU said it asked its members and an employee-led team to determine the locations at which the organization should donate time. Four local non-profit organizations were selected, including:
- Quiet Oaks Hospice, where employees assisted in in meal preparation and baking, as well as helping to clean the facility.
- Becky’s Troop Care Packages, where staff helped assemble and create care packages for military troops overseas.
- Broken Roads Ranch (a non-profit animal sanctuary), where employees assisted with painting and cleaning stables.
- FACT (Feeding Area Children Together), where staff helped to pack nutritious meals for local children in need.
‘Be Kind. Do Good.’
“All rooted in Central Minnesota, the credit union was proud to give back to a variety of places who make a difference in the community,” St. Cloud Federal said. “The organization’s theme for the Community Day was, ‘Be Kind. Do Good.’ This theme played out well with like-minded non-profits who provide services to help people in different ways ranging from hospice services, to troops, to helping feed local children, and an organization that helps people with their animals.”
“Our annual Community Day was established as part of our mission to make a meaningful difference for our members, our employees, and our communities. We believe it is our responsibility to give back as part of our cooperative model,” said Jed A. Meyer, St. Cloud FCU’s president and CEO. “Our employees are full of passion to make a difference, and I was proud to serve beside them as we helped local non-profits,” stated Meyer.