Cleaning parks and building connections: CU Kind Day leaves a lasting impact
"Nothing warms your heart more than a little boy out on a walk with his mom, yelling 'Thank you!' as he watched us clean trash that was left behind," according to Heather Waffle of the IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union and chapter chairperson for IL Quad Cities Chapter of Credit Unions.
This heartfelt moment encapsulates the spirit of CU Kind Day®, an inspiring initiative by the Illinois Credit Union League (ICUL) dedicated to spreading kindness and fostering community connections across the state every year.
A day of collective kindness
Held annually on October 14, CU Kind Day brings together 80 Illinois credit unions and partners, uniting 900+ volunteers who collectively donated over 5,400 hours (about 7 and a half months) of their time in 2024. Despite having eight fewer credit unions participating compared to the previous year, the event saw a remarkable increase in donations, totaling over $112,000 worth of goods and support distributed to 183 community organizations throughout Illinois. This achievement not only underscores the unwavering commitment of the credit union movement but also highlights the profound impact that collective volunteerism can have on local communities.
Diverse efforts making a difference
Volunteers engage in various activities, each tailored to meet their communities' immediate needs. These efforts included:
- Monetary donations supporting vital programs and services
- Food and clothing drives assisting families in need
- Volunteer time at local shelters, food banks, and community centers
- Donating school supplies to ensure students have the resources they need to succeed
- Delivering care packages to brighten the day of those facing hardship
One standout initiative was led by Matthew Rizzie of Great Lakes Credit Union. His team served 15 nonprofit organizations through 20 events, with 146 employees volunteering 500 hours (about 3 weeks).
"Personally, when I saw the genuine dynamic of compassion and gratefulness between our team members filling up food bags and families receiving food at Common Pantry, I was humbled to be amongst a circle of such philanthropically minded humanitarians," he said.
Throughout Illinois and six other states, similar impactful initiatives ensured that communities received vital support in diverse and meaningful ways.
Leadership driving impact
Staci Hering, ICUL's director of culture and engagement, has been a driving force behind CU Kind Day. With more than 14 years of experience at the League, she passionately supports the credit union movement's mission of "people helping people." A mission that brings and keeps talent to the credit union industry.
A 2024 Deloitte survey revealed that employees find that participation in workplace volunteer opportunities boosts their sense of fulfillment and purpose (56%), strengthens their connection to their community (55%), improves their overall morale and teamwork (52%), and makes them proud to work for their employer (49%).
"Witnessing the dedication of our staff and volunteers in serving their communities is truly inspiring," Hering said. "These acts of kindness not only leave a lasting impact on those who receive them but also embody the core credit union principle of 'people helping people.'"
Hering emphasized the origins and growth of CU Kind Day, which began with inspiration from Affinity Plus Credit Union in Minnesota in 2018. Since its inception in Illinois in 2019, the event has expanded to seven states—Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, along with Illinois—showcasing the collective power of credit unions nationwide.
Hering expressed excitement about the national growth, noting, "It's really cool to see how other states are adopting and adapting this concept to fit their communities. The collective impact we're making together is truly powerful." This expansion underscores the universal appeal and effectiveness of organized volunteerism within the credit union movement.
Stories of heartfelt impact
Credit unions don't just show up for their communities—they roll up their sleeves and dive right in. More than simply managing finances, they become neighbors, mentors, and friendly faces you can count on. Whether it's through volunteering, supporting local organizations, or lending a helping hand where it's needed most, credit unions remind us that people always come before profits. The following stories highlight a few of the many ways credit unions bring this caring spirit to life.
Maria Marquez from NuMark Credit Union shared her experience supporting individuals in need.
"Volunteering at the Bridge Teen Center for CU Kind Day was truly rewarding. Our time spent there sorting over 370 donation bags will help sponsor 19 students to have a place to go to after school," Marquez said.
Kelly Ulrich of Gas & Electric Credit Union highlighted the diverse range of volunteer activities the team engaged in, from building garden beds to supporting cancer organizations, blending team building with community support.
"As a group, we brainstorm ideas and organizations we would like to support, and each team member chooses where they would like to volunteer," Ulrich said.
Candice Greene from Revity Credit Union focused on animal shelters, demonstrating the multifaceted impact of volunteer work on both animals and volunteers.
"Over 100 staff members from Revity Credit Union actively participated in a range of initiatives, such as preparing pet food at the Metro East Humane Society, providing companionship at Partners4Pets, enhancing the volunteer experience at Pound Pets, and engaging in environmental stewardship at Willoughby Heritage Farm," she said. "In the end, both the shelter animals and Revity employees walked away with hearts full of joy!"
