For the past two years on the second Tuesday in October, Altra Federal Credit Union employees have spent their day volunteering at organizations in the communities they serve. Due to COVID-19, Altra Gives Back Day 2020 will take a different form.
Altra is giving back to their employees, who will be given this day off as a wellness day. “We are extremely proud of our employees and their accomplishments this year. Many have been challenged to assist members on the front lines at each of our branches. Others worked from home to assist our members while also juggling home school and day care”, stated Kevin Strangman, Executive VP, Administration at Altra. “We wanted to recognize their resilience by giving them the day to rejuvenate and take care of themselves.”
In advance of the previously scheduled event on October 12, Altra is distributing $100,000 to various organizations in the core markets they serve to provide direct aid to those in need. “It’s about living the credit union mission of people helping people”, said Steve Koenen, Altra’s President/CEO. “We want to provide immediate assistance to those who are experiencing financial hardship.”
Pictured are Cheryl Dutton, Mary Isaacs, Kevin Strangman and Hetti Brown, Coulee CAP Executive Director.
Altra provided a check for $25,000 to Coulee CAP to help those directly impacted by COVID-19. Coulee CAP assists with rent, food, auto loan payments, prescriptions and more.
“This is a great example of a local partner addressing local needs. As many people still struggle with unemployment in our area, the generous donation from Altra Gives Back Day will allow us to swiftly respond,” said Hettie Brown, Coulee CAP Executive Director. “Other forms of support, like unemployment benefits, can take a long time to get to people and are usually short-term benefits. This money will fill that gap, keeping families in their homes, keeping food on the table, and keeping the heat turned on this winter.”
Pictured with Jolene Vaselaar and Kristina Kovacevic are Jenny Larson, Executive Director, and staff members Larry More and Pamela Barrientos.
Altra provided a check for $25,000 to Three Rivers Community Action to help those directly impacted by COVID-19. Three Rivers Community Action is a nonprofit human service organization that addresses basic human needs of people in the greater Rochester area.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted many households in Olmsted County,” said Jennifer Larson, Three Rivers Community Action Executive Director. “We are grateful to be able to take the generous donation from Altra Federal Credit Union and use it to help our neighbors who are struggling through our Cares Fund.”
Pictured with Daisy Phillips and Brian Selph are Eric Alvarado, Campaign Manager, United Way of Smith County, John Berry, Director of Development, United Way of Smith County, David Stein, Board Chairman, United Way of Smith County, Claude Henry, Board Chairman, Salvation Army of Tyler, Cindy Bell, Director of Development, Salvation Army of Tyler, Dennis Cullinane, CEO, East Texas Food Bank, Andrea Wilson, Executive Director, PATH, Jeremy Walker, Captain, Salvation Army of Tyler, John Gaston, President/CEO, United Way of Smith County.
Altra provided a check for $25,000 to United Way of Smith County to help those directly impacted by COVID-19. Three organizations will benefit from the donation including PATH, East Texas Food Bank and Salvation Army.
“This year, we are seeing a huge increase in local needs due to COVID – 19 and the economic uncertainty. Altra Federal Credit Union has answered the call to help in a major way, and this $25,000 gift will provide much needed emergency relief to families right here in Smith County,” said John Gaston, United Way of Smith County President/CEO. “100 percent will be dedicated to making an immediate and tangible impact locally through our partner agencies serving on the front lines of this crisis.”
Pictured with Rose Melton, Jesse Presley, Gail Fielder, Heather Cheesman, Brian Selph and Dan Schwaab are: Valerie Guzman, CEO at United Way of Greater Clarksville and Terrie Williams from Crisis 211, Stephanie Knight, Brandi Ficklin from United Way of Greater Clarksville and Leslie Chiodini from Community Action Agency.
Altra provided a check for $25,000 to United Way of Greater Clarksville Region to help those directly impacted by COVID-19. Three organizations will benefit from the donation including Crisis 211, Urban Ministries and Community Action Agency.
“In the last 7 months, we have felt the impact of COVID 19 and how it has increased the need in our community,” said Valerie Guzman, United Way of Greater Clarksville Region Chief Executive Officer. “There is a greater demand put on our agencies to provide help with rental and electricity assistance. Altra’s generous donation will allow us to help more people in our community.”
