MANCHESTER, N.H.–- The nation’s first credit union, St. Mary’s Bank, has received a Silver Community Heroes Award from American Business Media for its 110th Anniversary Volunteer Challenge, which supports local nonprofits.
As part of the volunteer initiative, St. Mary’s Bank employees were challenged to complete 110 volunteer hours in the community over a two-month period.
In total, employees formed seven teams, all of whom collectively donated more than 1,233 volunteer hours to local organizations, such as Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock (CHaD), CASA of NH, CareGivers and Webster House.
“It was such a rewarding experience to be on a team where everybody was so involved and committed to the cause,” said Steve Macek, SVP, director of consumer lending. “Volunteering is very important at St. Mary’s Bank, but our 110th Anniversary Volunteer Challenge really took staff participation to a new level.”
The initiative also featured a philanthropic component, as each team directed a $110 donation to a non-profit of its choice upon reaching 110 hours.
Recipients of $110 donations included Adopt-a-Family Program through the Salvation Army, NH Breast Cancer Coalition, Manchester Animal Shelter, National MS Society, Aubrielle's Hope in Nashua, Moore Center in Manchester, and New Horizons in Manchester.
In addition, the winning team received $1,000 as an added donation, which was divided between four local non-profits: Webster House in Manchester, Make-a-Wish, The CareGivers, and Manchester Animal Shelter.
“In the case of The Caregivers, we are still out in the community delivering food for the home-bound,” added Macek. “This challenge has become an important part of how we serve our community.”
According to Elizabeth Stodolski, director of marketing at St. Mary’s Bank, the challenge was also “a lot of fun.”
“We captured photos for social media to increase the excitement, raise awareness and participation,” she said.
She said the 110th Anniversary Volunteer Challenge also reflects St. Mary’s Bank’s adherence to the principle of “not for profit, but for service.”
“The recognition is great, but the positive impact we want to have on our communities is our biggest objective,” she added.
At right, John J. Leonard of Wolf & Company presents award to Steve Macek of St. Mary's Bank at the Award Gala at the MGM Springfield.