RAPID CITY, S.D.–Black Hills FCU said it believes in supporting the passions of its employees, so much so that this year it’s matching dollar-for-dollar the funds raised by the Community Action Team, an employee-led charitable giving program.
In the fourth quarter, the BHFCU team focused its efforts on helping with the holidays through its Holiday Gift Drive.
During Q4, BHFCU’S team provided:
- 300+ gifts for children in Billings, Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Sturgis, and Spearfish
- Two whole families’ worth of gifts in Rapid City
- Four complete wish lists for kids in Cheyenne River
- Spread $9,900 spread between the Cheyenne River Youth Project, the Salvation Army in five communities, Pierre / Ft Pierre Angel Tree, WellFully, and Youth & Family Services
“This year began by asking employees how they’d like to support their communities, and many answered that they’d like to spread joy during the holidays,” the credit union said. “Having had success with toy drives in the past, BHFCU took it to the next level this year by identifying several more organizations across its communities doing the same. The credit union asked employees to help fulfill as many holiday wishes as possible and left it open to members who wanted to chip in as well.”
BHFCU specifically wanted to support organizations focused on getting gifts into the hands of kids and families at the holidays. With the support of BHFCU employees and a bit of research, the credit union connected with a solid group of nonprofits.
The holiday dream-making programs include: the Cheyenne River Youth Project’s Moon of Giving in Eagle Butte; the Salvation Army Angel Tree programs in Billings, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Spearfish, and Sturgis; the Pierre / Ft. Pierre Angel Tree, WellFully’s Holiday Wish Lists in Rapid City; and Youth & Family Service’s Holiday Families in Rapid City.
“This year, BHFCU issued a challenge to its staff each quarter. That tradition of competition continued in Q4. The credit union challenged each employee to contribute $10 toward a holiday gift, and they answered the call,” BHFCU said. “Overall, 22 departments, comprised of 135 employees, purchased 129 gifts for kids and families.
Improving lives is more than words. BHFCU employees continue to jump at the chance to help those who need it. From buying gifts for kids who would otherwise go without to sponsoring multiple families’ entire holidays, the final quarter of this year’s giving is already nestled under trees across the communities the credit union serves. The drive is all about supporting those who need a little extra love to end the year.”
