BEAUMONT, Texas–Education First FCU (EFFCU) employees made a big impact on Giving Tuesday just by wearing jeans. Each week employees can elect to wear blue jeans to work on Friday in exchange for a cash donation that is earmarked toward their Blue Jean Friday Fund. The fund was created in 2015 and quickly became very popular with employees.
The aggregate funds are donated to an organization(s) each year on Giving Tuesday that is determined by the Blue Jean Friday Committee. The committee is comprised of nine EFFCU employees from different branches and represent the communities they serve.
To date EFFCU employees have donated over $44,4000 to both local and national organizations.
This year, the fund has raised more than $13,400, with the recipients including:
- Homer Drive Elementary School
- The Shorkey Center
A portion of the funds have been committed to help fund the build of a new playground for students at Homer Drive Elementary School. The front playground at Homer Drive Elementary School is worn down and unusable. This new playground would replace the old one and provide a safe place for all students to play, this updated playground will be ADA accessible.
The remaining funds will go to the Shorkey Center to purchase needed supplies, including a water heater so families can shower before or after aquatic therapy, a new electric safety gate for the preschool playground, a new reception lobby desk and new seating for the lobby. The Shorkey Center specializes in effective individualized educational program that include early childhood education and therapeutic services focusing on children with special needs.