SANTA FE, N.M— The employees of Del Norte Credit Union (DNCU) consistently participate in a variety of charity events, and demonstrate a strong level of volunteerism and civic pride. In recent months, the staff has accelerated its charitable giving with the establishment of a special program called DNCU’s Teen Day Tuesdays, which raises funds via employee donations specifically earmarked for local youth causes.
Why the youth of northern New Mexico? According to a staff‐wide survey, youth were overwhelmingly identified as the cause most near and dear to DNCU staffers hearts – and the cause they would like their personal money to benefit.
DNCU COO Deb Salazar said the Teen Day Tuesdays allow employees who donate into the designated fund the ability to wear jeans on that particular Tuesday along with a Teen Day Tuesdays button, while helping grow the youth‐oriented fund. Periodically the funds are then donated to specific local youth organizations or programs.
In just four months since its inception in late April 2016, DNCU employees have donated just over $2,000 into the Teen Day Tuesdays fund, showing an outstanding generosity of spirit.
“I think it’s incredible how the staff of DNCU has given this significant amount to help youth in the communities in which we serve,” says Salazar. “Our employees love to wear jeans,” she jokes. Whenever funds are donated to the particular youth organization, DNCU matches the amount, dollar for dollar.
Recipients of the donations thus far in 2016 include Espanola Youth Center, Santa Fe‐ based Youthworks, and most recently, White Rock Youth Activity Center (a program of Los Alamos Family Council).