Thank a hero

Many organizations and communities are recognizing Public Safety Officer Appreciation Week in early October. Our public safety officers – police, firefighters, and EMTs – are well deserving of recognition.  They constantly protect and serve, running into danger as we are running away from it. Too often they are unsung heroes. 

The upcoming Public Safety Officer Appreciation Week (Oct. 3-0th) is an excellent opportunity for your credit union – and your members – to recognize our public safety officers and thank them for their sacrifice. A few ideas to recognize their work and their sacrifice are:

• Food – Everyone appreciates a free meal! Your credit union might consider delivering a meal to your local police/fire stations. Or you could extend the offer to include the officers’ families by hosting them and their families at a barbeque at your credit union.
• Equipment/Education Grant – Provide a grant for equipment or education needs.  This could include member contributions from a dedicated campaign (website donations and in-branch “tip jars” throughout the month of October).  Those credit unions with community funds or foundations could use those resources for this cause.
• Hero of the Day – Have your credit union community (employees, members and community members) nominate a public safety officer.  Based on the number of applications received, feature the hero on your website/social media. One per day, one per week all of October, etc
• Other ideas? – Do you have other ideas? If so, please share them in the “comments” section below, so other readers can learn from your ideas and what has worked well for you in the past.