FORT WAYNE, Ind.–While their branches were closed for the Oct. 12 federal holiday, thousands of credit union employees across the country traded their usual duties for volunteer work, spending the day building beds for children, packing food for hungry families, helping nonprofit organizations and performing other community service projects that align with International Credit Union Week.
The activities reflected the credit union movement’s longstanding philosophy of “people helping people,” with some institutions organizing annual days of service and others participating in statewide initiatives such as CU Kind Day.
The projects ranged from hundreds of employees working at dozens of nonprofit organizations to smaller teams tackling specific community needs.
The following represented a sampling of how credit unions marked the holiday, along with related service projects organized in recognition of the occasion.
Nearly 400 Employees Volunteered at 3Rivers
FORT WAYNE, Ind.–3Rivers Credit Union marked its 12th annual Give Back Day by closing its branches and organizing volunteer activities involving nearly 400 employees at more than 35 nonprofit organizations across the region.
The credit union said its employees were expected to contribute nearly 3,000 hours of service during the event.
In Fort Wayne, employees worked with organizations that included:
- Blessings in a Backpack
- Community Harvest Food Bank
- Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control
- Homebound Meals Inc.
- Promise Lutheran Church
- Summit Equestrian Center
Employees also participated in a Habitat for Humanity panel-building project at the credit union’s headquarters on Lima Road.
Additional volunteer activities were organized across northeast Indiana and Ohio, including projects benefiting The Apple Tree Center, Blue Star Mothers of America, Bluffton Animal Shelter and Decatur River Greenway.
More Than 400 Honor CU Employees Give Back
BERRIEN SPRINGS, Mich.–More than 400 Honor Credit Union team members will step away from their daily responsibilities to step up for their communities as part of CU Kind Day, the credit union reported.
Across Michigan, Honor employees volunteered at more than 40 locations, supporting local nonprofits, schools, parks, food pantries, environmental organizations, and community programs. The day reflected Honor’s long-standing commitment to making a positive difference in the communities it serves, it said.
“At Honor, community is at the heart of everything we do,” CEO Scott McFarland said in a statement. “CU Kind Day provides an incredible opportunity for our team to come together and demonstrate our commitment to service. We believe that when we invest our time, talents, and resources into our communities, we help create stronger, healthier places for everyone.”
Throughout the state, Honor’s volunteer efforts supported community partners such as Ottawa Elementary School in Berrien Springs, Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek, Kids’ Food Basket in Grand Rapids, and Superior Watershed Partnership in Marquette. Through hands-on service projects ranging from facility improvements and landscaping to environmental cleanup and food distribution support, Honor team members hadve the opportunity to make a real impact.
“At Honor, our mission goes beyond financial services,” added McFarland. “Being present, lending a helping hand, and supporting organizations that make our communities thrive are all important ways we live out our purpose. We are proud to join credit unions across Michigan in making kindness visible through action.”
More Than 650 Everwise Employees Joined Day of Giving
FORT WAYNE, Ind.–Everwise Credit Union marked its seventh companywide Day of Giving with more than 650 employees participating in volunteer activities benefiting 44 nonprofit organizations across Indiana and southwest Michigan.
The credit union closed more than 50 branches, along with its corporate and auxiliary offices, to allow employees to participate in the service projects.
Volunteers undertook painting, landscaping, donation organization and other projects to support local nonprofit organizations.
The event represented the credit union’s seventh companywide day of service since 2018.
“At Everwise, we take pride in making a genuine difference in the lives of people across the communities we serve,” President and CEO Jason M. Osterhage said in a statement. “Our Day of Giving is a true reflection of our people-first culture, where our employees unite to create meaningful and lasting impact.”
First Alliance Employees Contributed 158 Hours
ROCHESTER, Minn.–First Alliance Credit Union closed all its branches for its annual All for One Day, bringing together 79 employees for community service projects across southern Minnesota.
Each employee was scheduled to volunteer for two hours, representing a combined 158 hours of community service.
The credit union partnered with the Women’s Shelter & Support Center, Boys & Girls Club of Rochester and Family Service Rochester.
Projects included raking leaves, cleaning gutters, organizing spaces and performing other maintenance and improvement work.
“Having a group of 25 First Alliance employees here gives us an opportunity to tackle projects that make a real difference in our outdoor spaces while bringing community partners together around our kids,” said Danielle Thompson, director of resource development for the Boys & Girls Club of Rochester.
First Alliance President and CEO Brent Rempe said the annual event reflected the institution’s cooperative roots.
“All for One Day is about more than volunteering; it’s about presence and partnership,” Rempe said. “Closing our branches for one day allows our entire team to show up together, strengthen our community partnerships, and live out the cooperative spirit that has been part of First Alliance since 1932.”
The credit union began closing its branches on Indigenous Peoples’ Day in 2015 to dedicate the holiday to community service. The event was renamed All for One Day in 2018.
Statewide Minnesota Effort
First Alliance’s activities were part of CU Kind, a statewide initiative coordinated by the Minnesota Credit Union Network.
According to the network, the 2026 initiative involved:
- More than 3,500 credit union employees, members and community partners.
- Nearly 6,000 hours of volunteer service.
- Approximately 360 community organizations receiving assistance.
Community Focus Delivered More Than 300 Personal Care Kits
BROWNSTOWN, Mich.–Community Focus Federal Credit Union celebrated CU Kind Day by delivering more than 300 personal care kits to Sabbath Middle School in River Rouge, Mich.
Employees assembled kits containing everyday essentials, including soap, deodorant and tissues.
The credit union also donated additional school supplies, including hand sanitizer, face masks and disinfecting spray.
The project received support from a Michigan Credit Union Foundation grant.
“At Community Focus, we believe building brighter futures starts with supporting the people and communities around us,” President and CEO Andrew Gregoire said. “CU Kind Day is an opportunity for our team to put the credit union philosophy of ‘people helping people’ into action. By providing these everyday essentials, we hope to make a positive difference in the lives of local students.”
The initiative also coincided with National Bullying Prevention Month, which emphasized kindness, compassion and supportive school environments.
The credit union said the project strengthened its relationship with local schools and educators while helping students and families meet needs beyond traditional financial services.
American 1 Volunteers Build 50 Beds for Children
JACKSON, Mich.–American 1 Credit Union marked CU Kind Day with an earlier community service event that brought together 83 volunteers to build 50 beds for children in need.
The Oct. 3 project took place at Arnold Elementary School in Michigan Center in partnership with the Jackson chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a national nonprofit dedicated to ensuring children had beds in which to sleep.
Credit union employees, family members, friends and other community volunteers assembled bed frames, sanded wood, organized materials and performed other construction-related tasks.
“Every child deserves a safe and comfortable place to sleep,” said Haley Hemmig, community partnership manager for American 1. “Celebrating CU Kind Day through this Build Day gave our employees, families, friends, and neighbors a meaningful way to serve our community.”
Mike Caryl, president of the Sleep in Heavenly Peace Jackson chapter, credited the volunteers with helping the organization expand its reach.
“Their hands-on support shows what is possible when a community comes together, and it brings us one step closer to ensuring that every child in Jackson has a bed to sleep on,” Caryl said.
The project was part of CU Kind Day, an annual community service initiative organized by the Michigan Credit Union League and Michigan Credit Union Foundation.
Credit Union of Colorado Packs 900 Food Bags
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.–Credit Union of Colorado employees helped pack approximately 900 bags of food for children facing food insecurity in Mesa County as part of the credit union’s Here to Help Day.
Branch Manager DJ Perrigo said the partnership represented the fourth year the credit union had worked with the organization.
“This is our fourth year working with them. They just align with our values,” Perrigo said. “They’re making a huge impact in our community, impacting kids that really need the help.”
Tessa Kaiser, executive director of Kids Aid, said the organization distributed approximately 3,000 bags of food every weekend throughout the year to Mesa County residents age 18 and younger.
Each child typically received one bag per weekend, although additional assistance was available for those who needed it.
“We want to make sure that no child wonders where their next meal is coming from,” Kaiser said.
Perrigo said the volunteer effort reflected the credit union’s desire to remain involved in the communities it served and help reduce the effects of food insecurity.
Marine Credit Union Employees Builds More Than 30 Beds
LA CROSSE, Wis.–Marine Credit Union employees joined the effort to provide children with safe places to sleep, building more than 30 beds for local childre in need.
The credit union partnered with Sleep in Heavenly Peace on the project, which was part of a broader community service initiative spanning three states.
The effort reflected the credit union’s emphasis on supporting families and improving living conditions for children who lacked adequate sleeping arrangements.
Vizo Staff Volunteer at Numerous Organizations
GREENSBORO, N.C. – Vizo Financial is reporting it showed support for its local communities during its annual Day of Service. Every year, employees of Vizo Financial band together for the Day of Service by volunteering at various organizations across Central Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, Pa., Greensboro, N.C., and Columbia, S.C.
“The Day of Service is an annual tradition that Vizo Financial began in 2019 and celebrates the organization’s commitment to community impact,” Vizo said. “This year, more than 100 Vizo Financial staff and family members participated in this meaningful event.”
According to Vizo, volunteers helped with assembling craft kits for hospitalized children, sorting donations, beautifying neighborhoods, serving meals, crafting blankets, supporting farm activities, making event preparations and more in service to the following organizations:
- American Cancer Society
- Caitlin’s Smiles
- Cocoa Packs
- Family Room
- Harvest Hope Food Bank
- Hospice of Central PA
- Leg Up Farm
- Love the Hill
- Midwest Food Bank
- Open Door Ministries
- The Cracked Pot
‘Part of Our Mission’
“People helping people is part of our mission, and by hosting our annual Day of Service, we provide the opportunity for our Vizo Financial team to come together and share in that mission,” Fred Eisel, president/CEO of Vizo Financial, said in a statement. “Since the launch of this event, we have been able to partner with various organizations that contribute to our communities every day. It’s always uplifting to see the impact the credit union movement can have by doing simple things to serve our communities.”
“Passion for service is one of our organization’s core values, so this experience supports that and allows us to really connect with our communities,” Erin Doan, VP of administration, added in a statement. “It’s become a tradition our employees look forward to every year because it gives them a chance to turn that passion into action.”
More Than 450 Sound CU Employees Support EFN
TACOMA, Wash. — Sound Credit Union hosted its annual Afternoon of Service, bringing employees together to support a local nonprofit organization. This year, the credit union partnered with Emergency Food Network (EFN) in Lakewood to help provide meals for individuals and families experiencing food insecurity.
According to Sound CU, more than 450 Sound employees from across Washington gathered in Tacoma to assemble 3,312 Bowls of Hope meal kits. Each kit contained the ingredients needed to prepare chicken tortilla soup, providing a warm and nutritious meal for individuals and families in need. Through EFN’s partnership with Costco, Sound said it was able to purchase ingredients in bulk, stretching its philanthropic dollars further and increasing the overall community impact.
“Our Afternoon of Service is one of the events our team members look forward to most each year,” VP-PR Jennifer Reed said in a statement. “It demonstrates that our partnerships with nonprofit organizations extend far beyond sponsorships. We see the challenges many families face as the cost of groceries, housing and other necessities continue to rise. Bringing our employees together to help provide a warm meal for someone experiencing food insecurity fills us with pride and reinforces our commitment to the communities we serve.”
Sound CU said its community giving strategy focuses on four key areas: financial education, affordable housing, food insecurity and supporting the greater good of the communities it serves. As grocery costs continue to impact families throughout Washington, partnering with Emergency Food Network was a natural fit.
TRUE Community CU Partners With Kids Against Hunger
JACKSON, Mich. – TRUE Community Credit Union marked Credit Union Kind Day with a large-scale volunteer initiative that brought together 224 employees and representation from its board.
The credit union reported that in partnership with Kids Against Hunger, participants prepared 88,452 meals, resulting in 14,742 pounds of food to support efforts addressing food insecurity across the four counties served by TRUECCU. The event exemplified the purpose of CU Kind Day, an annual, multi-state day of service and kindness where credit union employees, members, and volunteers come together to give back to their local communities, TRUE CCU said.
“We talk a lot at TRUE about cultivating legacy-defining moments, and it’s easy to think of those as the big, exciting milestones in life. But sometimes a legacy-defining moment is simply knowing there will be food on the table,” President and CEO Chrissy Siders said in a statement. “To me, that is what it means to truly serve a community. We celebrate people in their moments of possibility, and we stand beside them in their moments of need. Both matter. Both can change the trajectory for generations to come.”
Kids Against Hunger is a non-profit humanitarian organization with a mission to provide fully nutritious food to impoverished children and families around the world and around the corner. The goal of the organization is for the meals to provide a stable nutritional base from which recipient families can move their families from starvation or food insecurity to self-sufficiency
“CU Kind Day is one representation of the credit union movement in action,” Chief People Officer Heather Harback said in a statement. “Credit unions are deeply invested in the well-being of the communities they serve, and our TRUE employees showed up with their hands, hearts, and feet as part of that commitment. We set a goal of preparing 80,000 meals and surpassed it by packaging 88,452 meals for our neighbors, right here in the places we call home.”
Community partners who supported the CU Kind Day initiative with contributions and support included:
- Saline Recreation Center
- Convoy of Hope
- Sage Direct Inc
- Ulliance
- BlastPoint
- White, Hotchkiss & Falahee PLLC, Attorneys at Law
- Nusource Corporation
- DoerenMayhew CPAs
- Velera
- MMA
- Miller Johnson
- Holzman Law
- TruStage
More Than 40 Wisconsin CUs ‘Roll Up Their Sleeves’
MADISON, Wis.–During International Credit Union Week this week, Wisconsin’s more than 40 Wisconsin credit unions and the Wisconsin Credit Union League have been participating in CU Community Days, a “week-long event where staff roll up their sleeves to help out within their communities,” according to the league.
Planned activities have included volunteering at food pantries and animal shelters, assembling warming and hygiene kits, cleaning up parks and highways, hosting food and book drives, and more—many as a continuation of ongoing initiatives that occur throughout the year, the league said.
“This illustration of the cooperative principles of Concern for Community and Cooperation Among Cooperatives fits well with the 2026 International Credit Union theme, ‘A Steady Signal in a Noisy World,’ reminding members that—in a world full of uncertainty and constant change—credit unions remain a steady signal: rooted in trust, people, and community,” the league said.
The league further reported that so far this year, Wisconsin’s credit unions’ benefit to members has exceeded $867 million through better rates and lower fees, and credit unions have donated $13 million to charities, community projects, and civic groups, along with countless volunteer hours.
Nearly 150 ‘Mazumans’ Give Back
KANSAS CITY, Mo.–Nearly 150 Mazuma Credit Union Team Members spent the afternoon of Monday, October 12th volunteering with 14 nonprofits at 21 different locations across the city as the credit union held its 9th annual Give Back Day, a day of company-wide service to organizations that support the local community.
“This focus on volunteer engagement is a core aspect of Mazuma’s philosophy, which emphasizes making a positive difference for the Members and community it serves,” the credit union.
Mazuma said its purpose is “Making Kansas City a Better Place to Live, Work, and Bank,” and Give Back Day is one of many opportunities each year for team members to put this ethos into practice by volunteering with area nonprofits in support of their positive impact.
“This annual tradition is a facet of the Credit Union’s 40 Hours for Goodprogram, which provides team members with 40 hours of paid volunteer time each year to prioritize meaningful community engagement,” Mazuma said.
Mazuma said it has more than 75 Community Partnerships with local nonprofits that benefit from the organization’s time, space, or resources. Several of these Community Partners meet their banking needs through Mazuma’s growing Nonprofit Banking services as well.
“We’ve built such deep relationships with so many incredible organizations through ongoing Community Partnerships,” President and CEO Deonne Christensen said in a statement, “and as conversations turned to the financial opportunities and challenges that nonprofits face, we discovered a natural alignment between purpose-driven organizations that allows the credit union to meet and exceed their unique banking needs. We’re always looking for ways to create positive impact in Kansas City, and we’re honored and excited by every opportunity to help our nonprofit panking partners achieve their goals.”
Feeling the Impact
Local nonprofits are feeling that impact.
“Having Mazuma Team Members here today made Halloween possible for hundreds of children whose families might not be able to overcome the financial barrier of purchasing a costume,” Kelly Phelps, Volunteer Coordinator at Operation Breakthrough, said in a statement.
“We couldn’t do what we do without the support of our community partners,” added Rose Shotwell, Communications and Events Manager at Veteran’s Community Project, in a statement. “We’re happy to have so many Mazuma volunteers willing to come out and get their hands dirty for us. It’s great to see the mutual benefit of how our neighbors like Mazuma help support our impact.”
In addition to Operation Breakthrough and Veteran’s Community Project, this year’s Give Back Day partner organizations included Hillcrest Thrift Store, KC Shepherd’s Center, EarlystART KC, Cleaver Family YMCA, and the Heart of America Humane Society, among others, Mazuma said.
Mazuma said its team membere enjoy the opportunity to spend time volunteering with local organizations that contribute to the health and happiness of their communities.
“We know that the work we do every day helps our Members and our community,” Jeremy Morton, Mazuma’s graphic designer, said in a statement, “but Give Back Day is a boots-on-the-ground expression of that purpose. As a participant for the last nine years, it has enabled me to build an enclosure for an animal shelter, prepare a new community garden, sort children’s Halloween costumes, pack food donation boxes, and more. It’s a new, rewarding experience every year and one of my favorite parts of being a Mazuman.”
