Submitted Photo Aspire Credit Union employees display some of their donations collected this past summer and hold a symbolic check for $500, presented to Souris Valley United Way representatives. From left are Jalisa Tinnes, Kayli Olson, Tonya Harden, Amee Rasmusson, Tyler Parks, Christy Miller with SVUW, Rianne Kuhn, Emily Lindquist with SVUW, Marisa Kaasa, Jacalunn Ostlund, Angie Marten and Kaydee Pederson.

Aspire Credit Union recently celebrated the success of its three-month partnership with Souris Valley United Way, which brought community members together to support local families and individuals through a series of donation drives.

According to a news release from the credit union, throughout the summer, Aspire hosted monthly collection initiatives in its lobby, each designed to meet a unique community need.

– June: Magic City Blessing Bank gathered household items, hygiene products and everyday necessities for families in need.

– July: Period Packs for Local Schools assembled 100 Period Packs with essential care products for distribution to local schools and provided extra materials for future packs.

– August: Aspire joined SVUW’s inaugural Backpack Buddies Build, collecting food donations to help feed local children over weekends. Aspire won the People’s Choice Award at the event with the debut of Mighty Mac and Snack Bot, made from donated food items. Additionally, the members of Aspire Credit Union collected items from the membership to help stock shelves for the school year.

In addition to the three featured drives, Aspire employees assembled 50 Homeless Packs filled with warm socks, granola bars, hand warmers and other essential supplies for those facing housing insecurity.

To symbolize community togetherness, Aspire used a tent in its lobby as the central drop-off point for all donations. At the conclusion of the campaign, the tent was donated to an individual in need, thanks to the thoughtful connection of SVUW’s executive director.

Aspire also presented a $500 check on behalf of its membership to SVUW in support of its ongoing mission to serve the community.

“We can’t thank Aspire Credit Union and its members enough for the kindness they’ve shown this summer,” said Christy Miller, SVUW executive director, in the release. “Each month’s drive brought so much hope to families, students and neighbors in need.”

“This partnership showcased what’s possible when people come together for a greater good,” Aspire CEO Kevin Vigested said. “We’re honored to support the important work of Souris Valley United Way and grateful to our members and community for helping make these drives a true success.”