On Tuesday, 49 credit unions and partners participated in a statewide day of kindness. Across Minnesota, the day was dedicated to community service projects and volunteer opportunities impacting over 335,000 people.

“The cooperative impact of credit unions is larger than each individual branch,” said Minnesota Credit Union Network President/CEO Mark Cummins. “As not-for-profit financial institutions, credit unions work to improve the financial lives of individuals and communities. CU Forward Day is an opportunity for credit union staff to show the people helping people philosophy in action.”

CU Forward Day, is held annually on the federal holiday on the second Monday in October.

This year, credit union employees participated in events ranging from building for Habitat for Humanity; preparing meals for homeless youth; outdoor clean up events; free document shred days; hosting a children’s book drive; packing food for Feed My Starving Children; and providing random acts of kindness for community members. In addition to staff time, credit unions donated an estimated $100,000 to community programs and initiatives.