Making a Difference

Giving back isn’t a new concept for 3Rivers Federal Credit Union. The not-for-profit cooperative invests in the people, places and events that matter most to the communities it serves all year long, through sponsorships, grants, volunteerism, college scholarships and more.

This holiday season, in addition to its ongoing corporate giving, the credit union is putting a new spin on its approach to its charitable efforts by encouraging all employees to play a vital role in choosing the individuals and organizations they want to support.

While the holidays are a time of joy and excitement, 3Rivers recognizes the difficulties that many may experience in the final months of the year — financial and otherwise.

“During the holiday season, people face different challenges. Some may be struggling financially, others may feel isolated and some are simply looking for a way to give back. At 3Rivers, we believe that supporting one another is what community is all about. We’re here for our members and the entire community, not just for their financial needs but for their well-being and happiness during the holiday season,” says Melissa Shaw, Vice President of Marketing at 3Rivers.

With that in mind, the credit union has given its 465 team members, who work within the 24 branches and 13 back-office resource centers, a budget and the opportunity to choose how they believe they can make the most impact in their communities. Employees were quick to decide how they thought they could bring joy and support to others this holiday season, with teams opting to support local food banks, sponsor underprivileged families, fulfill nonprofit organizations’ wish lists, support members who’ve fallen on hard times, and more.

Welcoming insights and ideas from the entire credit union will allow 3Rivers’ dollars and impact to reach far beyond the traditional means of corporate philanthropy. “Our employees know their communities and members the best,” says Community Engagement Manager Heather Bontempo. “Empowering our team with the ability to choose where to invest their time, the cooperative’s dollars and encouraging them to align their charitable efforts with their personal values, has proven to make the act of giving even more joyful and meaningful for all. It has confirmed that when it comes to community, we’re all stronger together, especially at the holiday season.” 

Pictured
(L-R) Josh Pulfer, Amy Ballard, Wade Smith, Jennifer Schmidt, Peter McMahon, Morgan Wilson, Casey Mitchell, Maria Parayno, Shari Seiler, Mike Sinish, Heather Bontempo, Beth Spellman, Sarah Keefer, Todd Petelle, Susan Cappa, Melissa Shaw, DeAnna Vorndran, Dave Blazek

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