RAPID CITY, S.D.– Black Hills Federal Credit Union (BHFCU) has provided an update on some of the activities performed by its Community Action Team, which allows employees to connect with nonprofit organizations and give back to communities.
This year, the credit union said it is consolidating its efforts by focusing on quarterly giving to make a bigger difference.
During Q1, Black Hills said its good works included:
- 11 nonprofit organizations supported
- 108 tie blankets made
- 2,019 items collected
- $15,500 donated to nonprofits (employee donations matched by BHFCU)
“The year began by asking employees what organizations they wanted to support. No sooner, themes emerged. Organizations dedicated to supporting the unhoused, victims of domestic violence, and veterans share the common theme of needing essential goods,” the credit union said. “Conversations with these organizations led to a focused ask for 11 basic items. And so, Operation Hope was born.”
Black Hills FCU said employees nominated eleven nonprofits spanning Billings, Custer, Hot Springs, Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Spearfish, and Sturgis, including Artemis House, the Compass Center, Cornerstone Rescue Mission, Missouri Shores Domestic Violence Center, the St. Francis House, Tumbleweed, WAVI, WEAVE, and the Sioux Falls, Hot Springs, and Sturgis VAs.
“These organizations assist those who have served the country, others who have fallen on hard times, and some who are rebuilding their lives. The drive is a small thank you for the critical work they do day in and day out,” BHFCU said. “To boost employee engagement, the credit union challenged departments to collect at least one item for each team member. In return, they’d have the chance at a lunch party courtesy of the credit union. This sparked epic internal battles, with the Contact Center and ITM department collecting over 450 items in their quest to outdo each other. In total, 22 departments comprised of 172 team members collected 1,390 items, showcasing the power of unity in community efforts.”
In addition, in February, while all 400 BHFCU employees were in one room, they took the opportunity to craft over 100 fleece tie blankets, the credit union said.