ST. CLOUD, Minn.–More credit unions are using International Credit Union Week for a lot more than cookies and refreshments in the branch, and are instead launching initiatives to get employees involved in community projects.
Credit unions in Minnesota may be doing more than CUs in any other state, with an estimated 1,000 credit union employees dedicating more than 6,200 total volunteer hours through various projects.
Among those CUs was St. Cloud FCU, whose branches for its first ever “Community Day” are designed to make a difference in the community. The credit union asked its members for ideas on how they could leverage more than 50 employees’ volunteering time on that day. A member of the credit union, Pastor Carol Jean, responded that her organization, Place of Hope, had a need. Her building, which provides food and shelter for people experiencing homelessness, needed a redesign.
“When we heard that Place of Hope needed to update their second floor wing for women and children, we knew it would be a great match for our Community Day,” stated Jed A. Meyer, president and CEO of St. Cloud FCU.
Place of Hope believes in rebuilding, repairing, and restoring lives for people experiencing homelessness by providing food and shelter. The organization noted the credit union team was able to accomplish in one day what took them 10 months to accomplish the year before. St. Cloud Federal Credit Union also donated $500 and brought in lunch that day for the community.
Meanwhile, in Missouri, St. Louis Community Credit Union also closed its offices on Columbus Day so that its 156 employees could volunteer their time. During its second annual “Mission Giveback” day, St. Louis Community worked with 10 local charities to deploy staff volunteers to respective service sites and help those in need.
“We live and breathe giveback – from the inside out. From lending a helping hand at food pantries to working with agencies that benefit children and families, we are answering the call,” said Eric Reading, SVP of organizational development at St. Louis Community Credit Union. “From our corner of the world, we are making a difference.”
Benefitting organizations included:
- Alexian Brothers Sherbrooke Village – a residential and skilled care residence with a continuum of quality care and services.
- BJC Hospice/”Samantha’s Gift” – a program that provides comfort items to patients and their families to let them know they are not forgotten.
- Canterbury Enterprises – a sheltered workshop employing people with disabilities in St. Louis County and city.
- Gateway Pet Guardians – a nonprofit St. Louis animal shelter bringing hope to stray pets through rescue, rehabilitation, adoption, community outreach and education.
- Cornerstone Center for Early Learning, Inc. – a center for early childhood development that provides high-quality, affordable, comprehensive care and education for children ages six weeks to kindergarten.
- Great Circle – an organization that provides a unique spectrum of behavioral health services to children and families.
- Neighborhood Houses Early Childhood Education Center at Caroline Mission – a place that strives to break the cycle of poverty by helping children and families reach their potential through transformative, educational, and empowering experiences.
- Operation Food Search – a food bank that educates and nourishes neighbors in need to heal the hurt of hunger.
- St. Louis Crisis Nursery – an organization that provides a 24-hour safe haven for children age birth through twelve whose families are facing crisis.
- St. Patrick Center – a place that serves as one of the largest providers of housing, employment and health opportunities for people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.