As part of its 2017 Pay It Forward initiative, United Federal Credit Union employees donated more than $1,200 to local families and organizations across northern Nevada, company officials announced Tuesday.
Employees in Carson City, Reno and Sparks raised money to benefit local families — some dealing with medical or financial difficulties — as well as a variety of institutions that help local children and animals like Food For Thought, Angel Tree, Casa de Vida Home for Girls, the Inter-Tribal Council of Nevada Childcare Development Fund, Sierra Association of Foster Families, Nevada Humane Society, Kate Smith Elementary School and Eddy House.
As part of the Pay It Forward program, UFCU provides $15 to every employee to give to a needy individual, family, or organization of their choice. Many times, departments and branches combine funds to create a more substantial donation.
The program began in 2008 with a request from employees, that they use the money otherwise spent on internal holiday celebrations to help people in the community. In the first year, UFCU raised $5,000. In 2016, UFCU raised more than $11,000.
At every conclusion of Pay It Forward, UFCU gathers its entire staff to hear more about how each department utilized the charitable funds. In 2017, that meeting occurred on Dec. 20, 2017.
“Our team in Nevada has helped a lot of children and families with its touching generosity,” said Nevada market Vice President Danny DeLaRosa. “It’s fun every year to get together and see where we can do the most good. It is a great holiday event and helps us work together better as a team and a longstanding member of the community.”
UFCU President/CEO Terry O’Rourke explains that the Pay It Forward Program is part of the company’s culture and is highly anticipated and regarded by employees and the Members they serve.
“The Pay It Forward Program is part of our commitment to serve each community in which we reside. Every year, we pause and celebrate our ability to affect change and aid where it’s needed most and every year I’m touched at the level of caring and generosity expressed in these meetings. It’s difficult to get through the presentations without getting emotional and feeling proud to be a part of this team of caring individuals.”
In 2017 through the Pay It Forward initiative, UFCU collectively donated more than $13,000 to 46 different individuals and community organizations across the six states where branches are located.