First Interstate Bank (FIB) celebrated its fifth annual Volunteer Day on Sept. 14, with all of its branch locations closing at noon to allow staff to volunteer at a nonprofit organization within their communities.
This was the first year for Osceola’s First Interstate branch to participate, as the branch was formerly Great Western Bank. Great Western Bank merged with First Interstate Bank in February.
“We, as an office, decide where we would like to donate our time, and then we contact the organization and ask them if they would like to be a willing participant in that,” said Teresa Woods, Marketing President I for First Interstate in Osceola.
First Interstate’s Volunteer Day is held each year on the second Wednesday in September.
This year’s company wide focus was on combating poverty, hunger, and homelessness, however employees are encouraged to select organizations that cater to specific needs within their own communities.
Osceola’s bank decided on The Village the preschol and early childhood center, who applied for, and received, a $500 mini grant through the FIB Foundation. They used to purchase the supplies for the project they would like the bank to do. In this case, the project was to paint one of the classrooms, and help assemble new playground equipment that was also purchased with the grant.
“We were very excited to have the opportunity to have the bank come out and do the projects,” said Crystal Hansen, executive director of The Village.
Hansen said it is sometimes a struggle for The Village to get everything done they’d like to with the hours they are open, so having the bank help out was a welcome surprise.
“[It’s our] first year, we’re very excited about it today,” said Woods.
Eight members of the bank were on hand for the painting and assembly, wearing their ‘Believe in Local’ First Interstate shirts.
“We wanted to be a united front, and show everyone our pride in our community. We’re having fun,” said Woods.
In a press release, President and CEO of First Interstate BancSystem, Inc. Kevin Riley said,
“This day concentrates and magnifies the efforts of our wonderful employees, who give generously to the places where they live and work. We are honored to celebrate the power of community with our neighbors today.”