Saint Louis, MO. November 13, 2019 – Recently, Together Credit Union hosted its second annual Day of Giving benefitting 23 local community organizations serving those in need in the St. Louis Metropolitan Area. More than 300 employees volunteered for service projects such as cooking, cleaning, landscaping, warehouse sorting, painting, and spending quality time with veterans, the infirm due to illness and/or age, and adoptable pets.

“We all have had someone help us at one point in our lives. Being that person for others is not only a way we can personally give back, it is a way for us to build better, stronger communities where we live and serve,” said Pier Yvette Alsup, Chief Community Engagement & Social Responsibility Officer.

In addition to service projects in the community, employee volunteers spent the day making more than 650 Book Buddy packs; 1,000 dental kits for kids and adults; 800 pet toys for dogs and cats; and 180 baby and pet blankets.

Kicking off the Credit Union’s Day of Giving was Kelly Jackson, anchor of the weekend morning edition of Today in St. Louis on KSDK and co-host of the McGraw Show on KTRS, who motivated volunteers as they headed to their service project destination. To thank Jackson, the Credit Union made a $500 donation to Needy Paws Rescue, one of several charitable organizations she passionately supports.

“You guys totally practice what you preach, which I love. There is a great need in St. Louis. Those that you serve today will really appreciate what you are doing,” said Jackson. “This donation will go towards their veterinary bills. Anything these dogs may need that fosters can’t afford out of their pocket. Every little bit helps and $500 will go a long way. They will so greatly appreciate this money.”

Additionally, all participating employees were entered into a raffle. Four names were drawn at random, and the Credit Union donated $250 to local organizations of their choice. The winners, and their chosen organizations, were:

• Arin B., Tenth Life Cat Rescue, which saves stray cats and kittens in the St. Louis area, prioritizing those with special needs.
• Kelly G., St. Louis Area Diaper Bank, which helps strengthen low-income families in the St. Louis region by ensuring access to an adequate supply of diapers, and by raising awareness about the causes and consequences of diaper need in our community.
• Lee Ann M., Tenth Life Cat Rescue
• Teronica W., All Among Us, which helps move individuals from generational poverty toward self-sufficiency.

“We know the power of volunteering. We know what that looks like, and I know that this year we are going to make a bigger and better impact,” added Alsup.

As part of the Credit Union’s 2019 community outreach endeavors, employees spent more than 975 hours in the community volunteering through the Credit Union’s employee volunteer program. The Credit Union also awarded 11 academic scholarships and hosted 25 financial literacy seminars benefitting more than 650 members and residents.

For more information regarding this announcement, please contact Julie Linder, Public Relations & Events Strategist, by calling (314) 657-9311.

About the Credit Union: As a member-owned, community-focused, not-for-profit financial institution, the Credit Union offers a comprehensive list of banking products and financial services at 27 branches nationwide and through 24/7 Member resources and amenities. In addition, Members can access their accounts and perform transactions at more than 5,600 shared branch locations and self-service shared branch express terminals, as well as more than 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs, through the CO-OP Shared Branch Network in all 50 states.

With more than $1.82 billion in total assets and 132,000 members nationwide, Together Credit Union is named a 2019 Best Credit Union in Missouri by Forbes Magazine and ranked as a “Top 150,” credit union in the U.S. The credit union was also chosen as a 2019 Corporate Philanthropy honoree by both the Credit Union National Association and the St. Louis Business Journal.