On October 14th, Members First Credit Union (M1) joined credit unions across Michigan to participate in Credit Union (CU) Kind Day, a nationwide celebration dedicated to credit unions doing acts of community service and giving back. This year, Members First focused on supporting local educators and fostering a love for reading within the community by donating books to Little Free Libraries.

"Participating in CU Kind Day embodies our commitment to community service and collaboration,” said Bethany Dutcher, Vice President of Marketing. "By coming together to give back to our teachers and promote literacy, we are investing in the heart of our communities."

M1 team members assembled and delivered "teacher treat" gift baskets to fifty-one schools across eight counties, recognizing educators' dedication and hard work.

Jasmin McGarrah, Member Relations Representative, reflected on the experience, sharing, “Giving back to my community is always rewarding. Having grown up with amazing teachers, I know they often go above and beyond, even using their own resources to care for students. Watching them and their students light up fills me with pride. I love working for a Credit Union that genuinely cares and seeing the tangible impact we make is a true blessing.”

In addition to supporting educators, the credit union donated books to Little Free Libraries in their communities to celebrate the anniversary of their Little Free Libraries being installed at M1 branch locations a few years ago. Team members donated over 200 copies of The Berenstain Bears Visit the Credit Union across 45 libraries, promoting financial education and inspiring a love for reading among youth. This initiative, part of a collaboration with the Credit Union Network for Financial Literacy, ensures that children can access engaging resources that cultivate reading skills and financial awareness.

Organized by the Michigan Credit Union League (MCUL), CU Kind Day encourages credit unions to engage in acts of kindness that positively impact their communities. M1 is honored to participate alongside other credit unions in CU Kind Day. For more information about how credit unions are participating in CU Kind Day, visit mcul.org/cu-kind-day.