Leagues Launch ‘We GIVE’ Program, Empowering Staff to Enrich Their Communities

The holiday spirit of giving is alive and well at the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues, which announced a new initiative this week — We GIVE (Goodwill Impact Volunteer Engage) Program.
 
Based out of the Leagues’ offices in Ontario and Sacramento, the We GIVE program empowers League staff to enrich their communities through dedicated volunteer service. Employees can volunteer through unique engagement opportunities, enhancing the localities where they live and work, and driving purposeful and life-changing experiences that are meaningful and relevant.
 
The We GIVE initiative offers a variety of volunteer activities to choose from, allowing employees to select opportunities that align with their interests, skills, available time, and desired impact. This includes skills-based, direct service, event-based, virtual, corporate, and disaster relief support community volunteering, with employees provided 16 hours of paid volunteer time off per year. Staff is encouraged to find ways to give back to their communities while developing their skills and contributing to the Leagues’ social impact efforts.
 
For We GIVE’s inspirational debut, League staff in Ontario and Sacramento, as well as Utah’s Credit Unions staff in Salt Lake City, UT, raised a treasure trove of toy donations for the annual Spark of Love Toy Drive, a yearly effort across several donation sites in Southern California during the holidays. Employees came together on Wednesday during their festive holiday staff celebration to make a meaningful difference in the lives of local children for Christmas through a heartwarming display of toy contributions and generosity.
 
These new, unwrapped surprises will bring smiles to the faces of underserved children and teens this season — all in the spirit of the credit union movement and its “people helping people” mission and philosophy.
 
“Our employees across California and their colleagues in Utah are honored to break new ground through our program We GIVE and support the Spark of Love Toy Drive,” said Scott Simpson, President and CEO of the Leagues. “Their willingness to open their hearts and contribute speaks volumes about the importance of this yearly effort across Southern California. On behalf of the Leagues and the credit unions we serve across California and Nevada, we are incredibly proud to play a part in bringing joy to children this holiday season.”
 
Executive Vice President Larry Palochik expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to be involved in this year’s Spark of Love Toy Drive efforts, which is historically one of nation's largest holiday toy collection drives.
 
“We are excited this season as we work to empower our staff to serve the communities where they live through our We GIVE initiative and its mission,” Palochik said. “There’s a clear connection between credit union values and the spirit of why the Spark of Love Toy Drive is so successful each year. Our toy collection during the Leagues’ holiday party emphasizes our dedication to spreading holiday cheer throughout underserved communities.”
 
Toys from Ontario and Sacramento, CA, and Salt Lake City, UT, were transported to Orange County Fire Station 31 in Mission Viejo, CA. They will then be distributed to children across Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Orange, Ventura, and Riverside counties.
 
The Spark of Love Toy Drive, a cherished annual tradition since 1992, is a collaborative effort between ABC-7, local firefighters, and Toys for Tots. It has collected more than 11 million toys since its inception, making it a true symbol of holiday giving in Southern California.
 
The annual drive is also a symbol of community spirit and goodwill. By partnering with K-WAVE and the Orange County Fire Authority, this time-honored event provides a platform for individuals, businesses, and organizations to come together and make a tangible difference in the lives of local children. The initiative emphasizes the importance of supporting local families and creating joyful experiences during the holiday season, a sentiment that resonates deeply with the values of the Leagues and credit unions.

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