Nearly 650 Everwise Credit Union employees proudly volunteered their time throughout Indiana and southwestern Michigan during the company’s annual Day of Giving on Monday, October 14. The fifth installment of the corporate-wide community day saw employees eager to pitch in and lend a hand to 45 different non-profit organizations across the two states.
“We take pride in making a real difference in the lives of people across the communities we serve,” said Jason M. Osterhage, president and CEO of Everwise. “Our Day of Giving truly reflects who we are: a people-driven culture in which our employees come together to create meaningful impact.”
In Valparaiso, Everwise employees chipped in at Do Goodies – a gourmet popcorn and fudge company whose products are produced and packaged by adults with disabilities – making snacks for holiday baskets to be sent to Nooter in Chicago. Do Goodies, whose parent company is Opportunity Enterprises (OE), holds a special place in the hearts of many Everwise employees. When the opportunity arose to help out with the gift baskets, they were all very excited to tie on aprons, put on hairnets, and get to work in the kitchen baking sweet treats for a heartfelt cause.
“I've actually been a coach, or champion, for OE for the last couple years that we've been doing this. I have a sister who has disabilities, so organizations that support individuals with disabilities are near and dear to my heart,” said Everwise Vice President of Loan Operations Christina Williams. “I think OE and Do Goodies are very important parts of the community here in Valparaiso, so it's a pleasure to be able to come here and spend some time in the kitchen with them today.”
Like Williams, Everwise Chief Member Experience Officer Nicole Alcorn is a very avid supporter of OE and loves that she is able to help give back to an organization that has done so much over the years for the Valparaiso and Northwest Indiana communities.
“It’s great that we’re able to give back to the community that we serve,” Alcorn said. “I actually serve on the OE board, and I love the fact that I can actually give back to the board I'm on and work with their employees.”
Having extra hands in the kitchen means a great deal to the Do Goodies team. The holiday season can be a strenuous time with so many gift packages to send out in a short period of time, but with Everwise’s help, the preparation process is going smoother than ever.
“It's very helpful. We're excited that everybody is here to help with this large order that we have due in a week and a half,” said Do Goodies Operation Director Sarah Britton. “It’s 850 gift sets. It's a snack box, so it's a bag of Chicago popcorn, a quarter pound of chocolate fudge, and a small package of chocolate crust.”
The Day of Giving is always a favorite time of year at Everwise – many of the credit union’s employees love volunteering outside of work whenever possible. During the Day of Giving, not only can the employees give back to organizations they love, but it’s an experience they can take part in alongside fellow friends and coworkers. To them, it’s a great way to connect with the team outside the office while making a positive impact right in their local communities.
“It's always rewarding to be able to do this and step away from work. Sometimes though, you're working harder with these guys,” Alcorn said. “It's definitely rewarding, plus you’re also working with your peers. This is a really nice way to be able to show some teamwork.”
As a very person-centered organization, Everwise loves helping those around them whenever possible. Whether it's the Day of Giving or at any time throughout the year, Everwise always knows that every day is a great way to give back to the community.
“Putting people first is what we do, so we encourage our employees to not only do it today but throughout the year,” said Williams.
To learn more about Do Goodies and the ways the organization is helping those with disabilities throughout Northwest Indiana, please visit its website here, and for more information about Everwise Credit Union, please visit its website here.