Press
Local credit unions join together to support diaper bank
MIDLAND, MI (December 9, 2013) —Sometimes it only takes one person to start something big. This was the case for Art Peters, Dow Chemical Employees’ Credit Union Vice-President of Information Technology, who recently worked to help bring together three local credit unions to support The Diaper Alliance, a Midland-based diaper bank.
As a member of the Kiwanis Club of Midland, Peters heard Debi Keyes, founder and executive director ofThe Diaper Alliance, speak during a recent Kiwanis meeting about her nonprofit organization’s mission and the impact it has on vulnerable children and adults in the Great Lakes Bay Region. The Diaper Alliance provides diapers, wipes and incontinence supplies – which often are not covered by government assistance programs – to low-income families with babies and children, adults with disabilities, and the elderly.
Peters first secured support from DCECU President/CEO Dennis Hanson before working with executives at both Wildfire Credit Union and Members First Credit Union, who agreed to join with DCECU to support The Diaper Alliance. Through this mutual cooperation, the three Midland credit unions pledged more than $1,500.00 – enough to cover the alliance’s operating expenses for the entire first quarter of 2014, proving that working together can truly make an impact.
“We were happy to support The Diaper Alliance’s mission, but it was truly moving to see Art go above and beyond and invite Wildfire Credit Union and Members First Credit Union to join us in this effort. I’m really proud that Art is a member of our team,” Hanson said. “At DCECU, we have tried to build a spirit of community and generosity, which Art truly embodies.”
In addition to donating to organizations like The Diaper Alliance as a company, DCECU also encourages employees to engage in fundraising for various causes. In 2013, the employees have raised $3,759.00 for charitable and community organizations through regular Jeans Day fundraisers and nearly $1,700.00 for Midland Cancer Services through the third annual “Pink Out” silent auction and bake sale. The credit union also organizes volunteer and community service projects for its staff and awarded $15,000 in scholarships through the Midland Area Community Foundation to local college and college-bound students.
About Dow Chemical Employees’ Credit Union
DCECU has more than $1.4 billion in assets and nearly 57,000 members. Not a member? It’s easier than ever to join. For more information, visit www.dcecu.org or call (989) 835-7794 or (800) 835-7794.