First Community Credit Union Supports Project Ignite Light

Jamestown, ND - First Community Credit Union (FCCU) was recently recognized for their charity work as a credit union, as well as their dedication to members by the Credit Union Association of the Dakotas (CUAD). FCCU was presented the Dora Maxwell award and the CU Social Good Award of the Year. Both awards were won for the credit union’s fundraising efforts supporting Project Ignite Light, which is an organization that provides “Bags of Hope” to thousands of abused and foster children across Minnesota, North and South Dakota.

The fundraisers that were the backbone towards the success of their charity work were a pajama drive for individuals to donate, and a blanket drive where staff and community members worked hand in hand to tie plain and patterned pieces of fleece fabric together in order to create new fleece-tied blankets. In 2016, there were 170 new two-piece pajama sets in sizes newborn through eighteen years of age and 60 new fleece-tied blankets donated to Project Ignite Light.

In addition to the pajama and blanket drives, all fifteen of FCCU’s branches collectively raised $3,000, which was raised from casual Fridays, a Jeans Week, and a baby/kid photo contest of the employees’ childhood photographs. Members and employees were able to vote for categories such as cutest, best smile, most embarrassing, and most changed.

“It’s an honor to receive these awards,” says Janna Bergstedt, Vice President of Marketing. “But more importantly, to support such an amazing organization like Project Ignite Light, that’s truly making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and our communities.”

Project Ignite Light strives to give thousands of abused children a piece of security and hope. They do this by providing 'Bags of Hope' delivered through local advocacy centers. The bags are customized for the child's age and gender and include items such as a blanket, pajamas, undergarments, personal hygiene items, flashlight, book and a water bottle. Every reported abused child receives a free bag. Currently they provide approximately 250 bags each month throughout North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota. Since their founding eight years ago, Project Ignite Light has helped 14,000 children and they have a goal of bringing this program nationwide. For more information visit http://www.ignitelight.org/.

Pictured from L to R: Dayne Headland and Colin Wegenast, FCCU Board of Directors, Sean Rinkenberger, FCCU CFO, Cali Sailer, Retail Manager, Steve Schmitz, FCCU President and CEO, Jeff Olson, CUAD President/CEO, Clayton Lilleby, FCCU VP of Sales and Branch Administration, and Owen Olson, FCCU Board of Directors.