WATFORD CITY, ND – In response to a request from Hettinger County Sheriff’s Office, Dakota West Credit Union is offering to match donations from individuals and businesses throughout the county to support child safety and drug prevention education. Sheriff Sarah Warner sent letters to businesses to request donations to the National Child Safety Council organization on behalf of Hettinger County officials to establish programs for kindergarten through sixth grade students. Sheriff Warner estimated the programs being developed by the deputies would reach more than 150 students.

Dakota West New England Branch Regional Operations Manager Mike Grote encouraged others to contribute by agreeing to match donations up to goal of funding all students, saying “We’ve already contributed $250 towards the effort and know others in our community also want to support Sheriff Warner and the Hettinger County communities.” Reflecting on the values of Dakota West, Grote recognizes that the financial institution supports the community and the initiatives to protect its students. “We succeed together.”

Donations from Hettinger County businesses and residents may be made online at http://donate.nationalchildsafetycouncil.org and reference the specific program number: nd-21-c-1.

The Hettinger County Sheriff’s Department also plans to expand the program to include identity theft and internet safety programs for senior citizens. Grote looks forward to the additions and plans to support those initiatives as well.

Established in 1941, each of Dakota West’s branches and its members and employees help grow the Dakota West family with exceptional commitment to building relationships and strengthening communities through programs like safety education. With branches throughout west and central North Dakota, including New England, Dakota West Credit Union is dedicated to helping its members grow with comprehensive, competitive financial products partnered with personal, professional service.