Employees from the $180 million St. Cloud Federal Credit Union in St. Cloud, Minn., show off their T-shirts with the organization's theme for the day: Be Kind, Do Good. The credit union closed its branches on Oct. 8 for Columbus Day to participate in its fourth annual community day of giving designed to make a difference in the community. The credit union asked its members and an employee-led team to determine the locations for the organization to donate time. Four local non-profit organizations were selected, of which nearly 60 employees volunteered. All rooted in Central Minnesota, the credit union was proud to give back to a variety of places that make a difference in the community. The organization's theme for the day played out well with like-minded non-profits that provide services to help people in different ways, ranging from offering hospice services and supporting troops, to helping feed local children and assisting people with their animals.

Hiway FCU

Lakeville South Squirts C Team, the winner of last year's Hiway Hockey Kids4Kids Program, pose for a picture. Hiway Hockey Kids4Kids, an award-winning community initiative that encourages youth hockey players throughout Minnesota to raise funds for kids with disabilities and complex medical conditions, makes its return during the Minnesota Wild's 2018 to 2019 season. This innovative program is a collaboration between the $1.1 billion Hiway Federal Credit Union in St. Paul, Minn., the Minnesota Wild, Wild Goaltender Devan Dubnyk, Minnesota Hockey and Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare in Saint Paul. In its first year, Hiway Hockey Kids4Kids engaged 36 teams that raised $10,000 for Gillette Children's. Hiway Hockey Kids4Kids encourages youth hockey teams to think beyond themselves and come up with their own creative ideas to raise funds for Gillette Children's so it can help other kids who may not be able to play hockey due to serious medical conditions or injuries. Teams that raise $500 or more will be qualified to win a one-of-a-kind team party in a suite at the Minnesota Wild – St. Louis Blues game on Feb. 24, 2019. The winning team, selected at random, will also be feted with an exclusive pregame tour of the Xcel Energy Center, meet members of the Minnesota Wild and receive merchandise from the Wild and Hiway. All teams that participate in the program will be invited to a complimentary skate session at the Xcel Energy Center. Each member of any team that raises at least $500 will also receive a limited-edition Hockey Kids4Kids cap.

Affinity Plus FCU