Photo L to R: FCCU’s Monica Hieb, Ceilia and Cailee Kamstra, Crystal, Jackie and Tye Cordie, Becky Pergotski, Amanda Geisler VP of Growth and Development for Project Ignite Light, FCCU’s Kiella Lawrence, Lisa Hicks, Janna Bergstedt, Madilyn and De Roaldson. 

Employees of First Community Credit Union (FCCU) have announced they have raised $4,000 for Project Ignite Light, an organization supporting abused and foster children throughout the region. In addition to the funds, FCCU donated 135 fleece blankets and 345 pairs of pajamas to their “Bags of Hope.” This is the third year in a row that FCCU employees have chosen to support this cause and in the last three years, they have donated 301 blankets, 785 pajamas and raised an impressive $12,000!

Each quarter FCCU’s 225 employees choose an organization to support by raising money and awareness. Abused and foster children were the focus of the first quarter charity and Project Ignite Light was the organization chosen to support.

“We had the opportunity to deliver the items in person to their facility and help pack Bags of Hope,” said Kiella Lawrence of First Community Credit Union. “It breaks your heart to hear that so many children have to go through such a terrible experience, but it’s comforting to know that these bags are making a difference in their lives during such a dark time.”

Project Ignite Light is a faith based organization that provides children with important items needed when examined at local Children's Advocacy Centers around the United States for sexual abuse, physical abuse, or neglect. They provide about 200 "Bags of Hope" each month to reported abused children in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. Each bag is customized for the child's age and gender and includes a blanket, pajamas, undergarments, personal hygiene items, flashlight, book and a water bottle. The organization was founded in 2008 by Jamestown native, Pebbles Thompson. They function out of the old Barnes County North School in Rogers, ND. More information can be found at www.ignitelight.org.

During its 78 year history, First Community Credit Union has grown to be North Dakota’s largest Credit Union. As a credit union, FCCU is owned by its members. This is different than other financial institutions which are owned by a select group of stockholders. The Credit Union's profits are returned to the members in the form of better services, accounts, and favorable rates on savings and loans.