Press

BHFCU distributes over 105,000 school supplies to prepare thousands of students for the school year

RAPID CITY, SD (August 25, 2022) — Continuing its mission of improving lives, Black Hills Federal Credit Union donated over 105,000 school supplies to more than 70
schools this week.

The Drive provides thousands of students across South Dakota with the supplies they need for a successful school year. Educators will distribute the supplies to students as needed, said Heidi Bulman, BHFCU community development officer. BHFCU’s 26th Annual School Supply Drive culminated with a “Load the Bus” celebration, where representatives from area schools gathered to collect their allocated
supplies.

“With the prices of goods rising, the additional cost to prepare a child for the new school year falls more heavily on some families than others. Not to mention supplies are getting harder to find,” Bulman said. “We couldn’t do it alone. Each year the generosity and excitement of local businesses give us renewed energy to keep the effort going.”

The credit union relies on donations from members, the community, and area businesses across the state, to gather the necessary supplies. Funds are also raised through a community-wide caramel roll sale and staff silent auction. Additionally, the annual Bus-to-Business event allows area businesses and organizations to contribute to the Drive by helping to fill a school bus with supplies.

“We’re working with school districts in the communities we serve to help reduce the financial burden felt by families,” said Holli Edwards, BHFCU vice president of marketing and business development. “At the same time, we also want to ensure educators have the supplies they need to fully engage students in classroom activities.”

In preparation for the 2022-2023 school year, BHFCU’s employees spent countless hours collecting, sorting, and packaging supplies for area schools. Donations to the Drive are made through the Black Hills FCU Charitable Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

About Black Hills Federal Credit Union

Established in Rapid City in 1941, Black Hills Federal Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative serving more than 110,000 members. The community-chartered credit union has locations in Rapid City, Box Elder, Custer, Eagle Butte, Hot Springs, Pierre, Sioux Falls, Spearfish, Sturgis, and Wall, South Dakota, and Billings, Montana. For more information, visit bhfcu.com.