The $2.5-billion Security Service FCU said it has received overwhelming response to its call for employees to join a new Volunteer Corps, an in-house group that helps raise money for charity.
John Worthington, senior VP for corporate communications, said that to date more than 100 employees have signed up to walk, run, bowl, even build houses for worthy causes. For their participation, he said, the CU's 900 employees will now receive incentives, including baseball caps and T-shirts emblazoned with the CU logo, along with monetary rewards. "We have been involved with the community over the years," Worthington said. "But we never really had a formal organization to tie it all together."
Worthington said through this more organized Volunteer Corps, the credit union will be able to determine at the beginning of each calendar year which tasks it can take on, how many volunteers it can send, and how much it can financially contribute."There are so many worthwhile causes," Worthington said. "Obviously, we can't participate in them all."
But, with its team, its budget and a calendar in place, SSFCU expects to do quite a bit. "We first choose the organizations that we already have relationships with."
For example, SSFCU has been a longtime supporter of Christus Santa Rosa Children's Hospital in Texas, and Easter Seals in Colorado (where it also operates), he said. It also raises funds for the United Way, Make a Wish Foundation, March of Dimes and local Boy Scout and Girl Scout programs.
Formed to serve a military base, SSFCU also supports recognition programs for Army and Air Force troops, he said. And, when there's a telethon to raise money for public TV stations in Texas and Colorado, expect SSFCU's employees to be there, too. "There's a limit to how much we can do," he said. "We're open six days a week, and in some of our branches, seven days a week."
But, with so many willing participants for the Volunteer Corps, he said, the CU can always promise a good turnout to many community events as well. "Our employees are wonderful, they love to get involved. This allows them fellowship as a group, build morale and make them feel good about doing something for somebody else. I think it's important for credit unions to look at how they interact with the community. We all need to walk the talk and let folks know that we're out there. We're a vital part of the community and we care."
