Credit Unions Unite to “Plus It Forward” in Minnesota Communities

14 credit unions put cooperation in action by scattering kindness on Monday, Oct. 12

On Oct. 12, 2015, 14 credit unions across the state of Minnesota will participate in an orchestrated day to spread kindness in communities. (Graphic: Business Wire)

ST. PAUL, Minn.--()--On Columbus Day – Oct. 12, 2015 – 14 credit unions across the state of Minnesota will participate in an orchestrated day to spread kindness in communities.

Credit unions are not-for-profit financial institutions that subscribe to the foundational philosophy of “People Helping People,” which is demonstrated by their cooperative structures, support of financial education, and active engagement within their communities. Around the state, nearly 1,000 credit union employees will dedicate more than 6,200 total volunteer hours to scatter kindness in their communities. Participating credit unions estimate that the collective efforts on this day will impact more than 18,000 people in 36 communities (along with an indeterminable amount of community members; food recipients from Feed My Starving Children; and law enforcement & military families across the country).

This statewide day of kindness was inspired by Plus It Forward Day, an event created by Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union in 2013. This is anticipated to be the first of many collaborative community outreach days conducted by Minnesota credit unions.

WHO: Minnesota credit unions around the state:

   
 
1) Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union

8) Minnesota Credit Union Network

2) City & County Credit Union

9) North Memorial Federal Credit Union

3) First Alliance Credit Union

10) SharePoint Credit Union

4) Heartland Credit Union

11) Soo Line Credit Union

5) Hiway Federal Credit Union

12) St. Cloud Federal Credit Union

6) Mayo Employees Federal Credit Union

13) TopLine Federal Credit Union

7) Mid-Minnesota Federal Credit Union

14) Virginia Co-op Credit Union

 

WHAT: Scattering kindness in many different forms, including (but not limited to):

  • Delivering breakfast to local heroes in St. Paul, Duluth, Mankato, Lakeville
  • Volunteering at Como Park Zoo
  • Bringing treats to Metro Transit drivers
  • Sprucing up Harriet Island
  • Hosting a blood drive for the Red Cross
  • Distributing gift cards for coffee and gas
  • Packing meals for Feed My Starving Children
  • Bagging groceries
  • Visiting and working at senior care facilities
  • Facilitating Bingo events at nursing homes in Faribault and Coon Rapids
  • Supporting Minneapolis biking community through a bike drive, featuring a mechanic for on-site tune-ups (University branch location)
  • Giving away “movie nights” (popcorn/Redbox codes) to college students
  • Delivering thank you notes and cookies to local police
  • Rebuilding fish cleaning shack at MN veterans’ campground
  • Making blankets for Ronald McDonald House
  • Assisting at Children’s Hospital
  • Delivering appreciation items to Mayo Clinic volunteers
  • Participating in Habitat for Humanity build
  • Writing positive messages in sidewalk chalk
  • Volunteering at local food shelf
  • Assembling kits for dice games and distributing them to local organizations
  • Performing roadside clean-up along the highway
  • Raking and yard work for those who are unable
  • Painting a homeless shelter
  • Coordinating craft projects with Big Brothers & Big Sisters

WHEN: Monday, Oct. 12, 2015

WHERE: Communities across Minnesota:

  • Alexandria
  • Baxter
  • Bemidji
  • Brainerd
  • Brooklyn Center
  • Brooklyn Park
  • Burnsville
  • Byron
  • Cambridge
  • Coon Rapids
  • St. Paul
  • Detroit Lakes
  • Duluth
  • Eagan
  • Eveleth
  • Faribault
  • Fergus Falls
  • Glenwood
  • Grand Rapids
  • Hastings
  • Inver Grove Heights
  • Lakeville
  • Mankato
  • Maple Grove
  • Minneapolis
  • Moorhead
  • Nicollet
  • Pequot Lakes
  • Robbinsdale
  • Rochester
  • Roseville
  • Savage
  • St. Cloud
  • Staples
  • Virginia
  • Winona

  • Hennepin County
  • Ramsey County
  • Scott County

Additional information about Plus It Forward Day can be found at www.plusitforward.org.

Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit, financial cooperative that puts people first above profits. Members of Affinity Plus receive maximum value through competitive rates, minimal fees, and unique, member-centric products and programs. Affinity Plus has 27 branches located throughout the state. With over $1.7 billion in assets with $3.5 billion in assets under management, Affinity Plus is based in St. Paul and is owned by more than 180,000 members. Additional information is available at www.affinityplus.org or by calling (800) 322-7228.

Contacts

Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union
Kate Lee, Director of Marketing
Direct Dial: 651-312-9257
klee@affinityplus.org

Release Summary

On Columbus Day, nearly 1,000 credit union employees will spend their day scattering kindness in Minnesota. Their collective efforts will impact more than 18,000 people in 36 communities.

Contacts

Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union
Kate Lee, Director of Marketing
Direct Dial: 651-312-9257
klee@affinityplus.org