LANSING, Mich. — LAFCU employees donated $14,100 to improve communities served by the credit union during 2018 by simply dressing casually on Fridays.
LAFCU’s Casual Dress Day charity program began in 1994 and has resulted in an estimated $200,000 benefiting Greater Lansing and Shiawassee County. To participate in a dress-down Friday, an employee donates $2 to the charity fund.
“This is proof that small, recurring donations add up to big dollars,” said Amanda Seger, LAFCU trainer and chairperson of the Casual Dress Committee. “It helps that we have great participation. We believe the program is popular due to the sincere desire of LAFCU employees to support their community. Dressing casually is a fun, side benefit.”
Selection of recipient organizations and people in need is based on employee suggestions. This ensures the program benefits causes that employees truly care about or people who have a connection with a LAFCU employee.
For 2018, the committee contributed the $14,100 to 33 not-for-profit organizations and individuals and families in need. This supports a variety of community needs including youth development; food security; health, treatment and prevention services; social services; and animal welfare.
“At its core, the Casual Dress Day program is an excellent example of LAFCU employees embracing the cooperative philosophy of credit unions, which is ‘People Helping People,’” said Kelli Ellsworth Etchison, LAFCU’s chief marketing officer.