Credit Union 1 selects MyHouse and WASI as this year's Valley recipients during Giving Tuesday

WASILLA — Alaska’s only state-chartered credit union, Credit Union 1, donated $20,000 on top of time and other resources to groups, causes and individuals across the state during the global holiday called Giving Tuesday.

MyHouse and the Wasilla Area Senior Center were this year’s Valley recipients.

“We appreciate Credit Union 1 coming today! It is always nice when someone thinks of us during the holiday times. The seniors enjoyed seeing the little elves,” Marlene Munsell, WASI assistant executive director, stated in an email.

Both organizations received financial donations and visits from Credit Union 1 staff who partook in community activities while they were there, according to President/CEO James Wileman.

“Just shooting some warmth around town and around the state. It’s a fun day for us for sure,” Wileman said.

Credit Union 1 employees prepaid a big batch of coffee at MyHouse for the team, teens and visitors. They spent time at the cafe mingling with everyone.

Another group of Credit Union 1 employees visited with local seniors during their daily lunch hour at WASI, spending time talking to residents and giving out special treats and gifts.

“They really enjoy company, especially during the holidays,” Wileman said.

Giving Tuesday falls on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. It’s a movement created to encourage charitable giving all over the world. It’s often labeled #GivingTuesday for social media purposes and participants typically post their good deeds online.

Giving Tuesday has become a tradition for many businesses small and large to donate to their respective communities during Giving Tuesday.

Wileman said that Credit Union 1 has participated in Giving Tuesday for over five years and they plan to do it every year moving forward.

“It started gaining popularity nationally and in Alaska; just seemed like a really fun thing to do and a really awesome way to get our staff out there and make a difference on this national day of giving back,” Wileman said.

Credit Union 1 donated to the Anchorage, Eagle River, Wasilla, Chugiak, Nome, Fairbanks, Soldotna, Ketchikan and Kodiak communities this year, according to a recent press release.

Wileman said they set aside Giving Tuesday funds during the yearly budget. He said each year’s selections are driven by staff who suggest places to donate to each year.

“We take that budget then divide it into our staff, basically empower our staff to decide. So, some departments or branches will come together or employees who know each other across departments will come together…” Wileman said.

Donated funds also include random acts of charity to strangers on the street, such as filling someone’s gas tank at the station.

“We get some pretty cool stories,” Wileman said.

To learn more about Giving Tuesday, visit givingtuesday.org.

To see what Credit Union 1 was up to during Giving Tuesday this year, look them up on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com