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Mark your calendars—CU Kind Day returns on October 12, and Maine credit unions are once again invited to join colleagues across the country in celebrating the credit union difference through acts of kindness that make a lasting impact in our communities.
Originally launched by Affinity Plus FCU in Minnesota in 2018, CU Kind Day has grown into a nationwide movement that highlights the credit union philosophy of People Helping People. By coming together on a single day, credit unions amplify the visibility of the good work they do every day while demonstrating the cooperative spirit that makes our movement unique.
While Maine credit unions support their communities year-round through volunteerism, charitable giving, and community partnerships, CU Kind Day provides an opportunity to unite those efforts under one shared initiative. The collective impact created when credit unions across the state participate together helps raise awareness of the credit union movement while strengthening the relationships we have with the communities we proudly serve.
Register Your Credit Union
Planning to participate? Be sure to sign your credit union up through the League’s website.
Registration is an important part of CU Kind Day because it allows the League to measure and share the statewide impact of Maine credit unions’ kindness efforts. Following the event, participating credit unions will receive a brief reporting form to capture volunteer hours, acts of kindness, community engagement, and other results. This information helps showcase the incredible work happening across Maine, contributes to national CU Kind Day reporting, and supports the League’s advocacy efforts by demonstrating the meaningful difference credit unions make every day.
Whether your credit union plans a large volunteer project, surprises members with small acts of kindness, partners with a local nonprofit, or simply encourages employees to spread positivity throughout the day, every act makes a difference.
Sign Up for Coordinated Volunteer Opportunities
Earlier this week, the League held a special Town Hall highlighting CU Kind Day and all the resources and opportunities available to our credit unions. Don’t miss out! Contact Lauren Simonds today to sign up for one of the featured volunteer opportunities below (which can contribute to your credit union’s monthly volunteer hour reporting!):
Good Shepherd Food Bank:
Volunteer shifts have been coordinated with both the Auburn and Hamden locations of the Food Bank on Tuesday, October 13. At each location, there will be six volunteers for the morning shift (9:00 – 11:00 am) and for the afternoon shift (1:00 – 3:00 pm). Help the Food Bank sort and pack meals for hungry neighbors in need. Spots are limited, so sign up today!
Special Olympics Maine:
The Poland summer camp location for Special Olympics Maine will need some assistance with cleaning up and organizing at the end of the season for both a morning and an afternoon shift.
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals:
Both MaineHealth Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital (BBCH) and Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center joined our Town Hall, highlighting multiple ways credit unions can give back to patients and families. At BBCH, volunteers are welcome to serve a meal to patients, families, and staff at any point. They are also always looking for groups who would like to decorate the big glass windows leading to the inpatient unit, with all craft materials supplied by the hospital.
Additionally, the hospitals welcome kits for patients, including small activities and items to keep them busy and comfortable while they heal. Kits are also great for families dealing with unanticipated stays, with personal care and hygiene items helping carry families through hard times. Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center also has plenty of chances to support their Foundation work.
United Way of Southern Maine:
United Way of Southern Maine touched on many great programs that credit unions can support. If you are looking to set up a custom volunteer engagement, please reach out to Elliott Greene. While we were joined by the United Way of Southern Maine, you can certainly also feel free to reach out to your local United Way to volunteer if you are in another area of the state.
Missed the kick-off Town Hall on July 21? Don’t worry! The recording will be available on our website next week for anyone who would like to learn more about CU Kind Day.
Planning Resources Are Ready for You
To make participation as easy as possible, the League has developed a variety of complimentary resources to help your credit union plan, promote, and celebrate CU Kind Day.
Available materials include:
- CU Kind Day logos
- Grab-and-go social media graphics
- An internal planning guide
- A list of engagement and activity ideas
- Random Acts of Kindness cards
- Share a Smile cards
- Printable coloring pages
These ready-to-use resources are designed to help credit unions of every size participate with minimal planning while creating meaningful experiences for employees, members, and the communities they serve.
We look forward to seeing the creative and inspiring ways Maine credit unions celebrate CU Kind Day this October. Together, we can showcase the power of kindness, strengthen our communities, and demonstrate what it truly means to put People Helping People into action.
Please reach out to Simonds with any questions or additional needs regarding CU Kind Day.