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BHFCU prepares thousands of students for a successful school year

RAPID CITY, SD (August 20, 2021) — Continuing their mission of improving lives, Black Hills Federal Credit Union donated nearly 100,000 school supplies to more than 70 area schools, sending thousands of students across South Dakota back to school prepared.
The Drive provides thousands of students, in many communities across South Dakota, with the supplies they need for a successful school year. Educators distribute the supplies to students as needed, said Heidi Bulman, community development officer for BHFCU.

The BHFCU 25th Annual School Supply Drive culminated with a “Load the Bus” celebration, where representatives from area schools gathered to collect their allocated supplies.

“We know that with the number of supplies needed and the prices always rising, it can be difficult for families with tight budgets to send their children back to school fully prepared,” Bulman said. “We’re working together with our communities to help reduce that financial burden and ensure educators have the supplies they need to fully engage students in classroom activities.”

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 gives area businesses and organizations the opportunity to contribute to the Drive by helping to fill a school bus with supplies.

“The Drive is a testament to our members and community partners who continue to lend a hand to help South Dakota students and teachers,” said Carol Brown, vice president of marketing and business development for BHFCU. “What started as just a few boxes of supplies has grown into an amazing community-wide project, thanks to local businesses and supporters.”

In preparation for the 2021-2022 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.