More than 30 years ago, Black Hills Federal Credit Union (BHFCU) established the Community Action Team (CAT) program. This program reflects the company’s commitment to empowering its employees to better the communities they serve. 40 employees served as CAT program co-chairs to organize giving opportunities in 2023. The BHFCU CAT program covers their locations throughout the state. 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. The results marked several historic milestones for funds raised, items collected, and time spent through this staff-led program.
CAT program co-chairs organized several ways for staff (and sometimes members) to get involved throughout the year. In 2023, they managed countless volunteer opportunities, costume contests, community raffles, and internal auctions. “As one of the main facilitators of the CAT program, I am blown away by how our staff comes together year after year,” said Leslie Millard, Marketing Communications Specialist. “Working for an organization like BHFCU that is committed to supporting its staff’s passions is rare and impactful.”
Each month followed a theme from helping the unhoused and fighting hunger to health and wellness and supporting kids. 40 employees stepped up to be a CAT co-chair, taking on one more to-do, to organize giving opportunities benefiting 74 organizations. Participation was outstanding, with 235 employees taking part in volunteering 389 hours, collecting 2,473 items, and donating $62,300.
BHFCU supports community needs through corporate contributions, employee fundraisers, and donations from members and community supporters to the Black Hills FCU Charitable Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
